NOC 75101: Material handlers

The employment outlook will be Good for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand is strong for material handlers throughout the province, with vacancies arising continuously. Openings occur frequently due to turnover, as the fast pace and physicality in certain workplaces are not suitable for all workers. Applicants may find that training and experience operating a forklift are assets for certain positions. Candidates may be expected to have their own vehicle as shiftwork may occur at night when public transit is not available.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 4,750 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 22%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 10%

Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 8%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 84% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations

60% of material handlers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 89% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 11% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 21% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The prospect for employment in this occupation is good as the demand for workers has been on the rise. Job opportunities are mostly found across the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and wholesale and retail trade industries.

Some individuals in this occupation mainly perform manual tasks while others operate equipment. A forklift operator certification is an asset for securing employment. Material handlers may also be required to obtain training and receive a licence to transport dangerous goods and hazardous materials. Individuals who are willing to work flexible shifts, including overnight, will have more favourable job prospects.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 19%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 18%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 10%

Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 8%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 89% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 11% compared to 16% for all occupations

48% of material handlers work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Material handlers are employed by transportation, storage and moving companies, as well as in warehouses throughout a variety of sectors.

This work is physically demanding and involves handling heavy loads.

Most material handlers are employed in Moncton and Saint John, where the majority of the province’s industrial activity takes place. Both are significant railway hubs, while the latter is also home to the Port of Saint John, which is New Brunswick’s largest port.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,650 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 18%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 13%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 16% for all occupations

62% of material handlers work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 20% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Job prospects may be softened by tariff-related disruption to U.S.-bound trade shipments, as growth prospects may be tempered for export-related sectors that hire this occupation.

Growth in e-commerce and the resulting rise in demand for more individualized material handling and logistics services in warehousing and transportation will support job opportunities for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 6,900 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 20%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 16%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 13%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 9%

Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

63% of material handlers work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 55% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Fulfillment centres and warehouses near urban areas have brought down delivery costs and times, leading to a demand for workers in this occupation. It is unlikely that the trend will reverse in the near term.

A growing number of distribution centres across the province should improve economic activity, thereby raising the demand for material handling services across supply chains.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Alberta:

Approximately 29,100 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 20%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 19%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 14%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 7%

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations

59% of material handlers work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 19% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Most employment in this occupation in the Northwest Territories is in Yellowknife.

In the Northwest Territories, this occupation is mainly employed by transportation businesses, including storage and moving companies, and retail by and wholesale warehouses.

From 2021-2040, 71 job openings are forecast for material handlers in the Northwest Territories (

Government of Northwest Territories, 2023

).

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 38%

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 26%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 12%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 10%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 77% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations

55% of material handlers work all year, while 45% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 92% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 8% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 19% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 23% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

In Nunavut, this occupation is mainly employed by transportation businesses, including storage and moving companies, and retail by and wholesale warehouses.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 38%

Wholesale and Retail Trade (NAICS 41, 44-45): 26%

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 12%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 10%

56% of material handlers work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 54% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Limited for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Some individuals in this occupation mainly perform manual tasks while others operate equipment. A forklift operator certification is an asset for securing employment. Material handlers may also be required to obtain training and receive a licence to transport dangerous goods and hazardous materials. Individuals who are willing to work flexible shifts, including overnight, will have more favourable job prospects.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 24%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 486, 487, 493): 13%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 10%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 17% for all occupations

50% of material handlers work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 90% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 10% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 20% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation is evolving mainly with consumption and trends that influence commerce, transportation and warehousing.

The climate of uncertainty linked to American tariffs could curb exports to the United States and slow the economy, which could limit the hiring in some companies in the short term.

In terms of trends, the use of online shopping continues to grow and is expected to boost the need for this workforce. However, warehouse automation and new handling technologies could moderate the demand for these workers.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Quebec:

Approximately 55,150 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 15%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 9%

Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 8%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 485-486, 487, 493): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 18% for all occupations

61% of material handlers work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 87% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 13% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 30% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 34% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Employed by all major industries, but the leading shares are in manufacturing, warehousing and retail trade sectors

Wholesale trade is another key employer

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Job prospects are dependent on the amount of goods to be moved

The overall volume of goods requiring transportation may decline given trade uncertainties

Expansions in warehousing facilities, however the use of automated storage and retrieval systems may alter some of the roles of material handlers

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Forklift operator certification is required for some roles.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Ontario:

Approximately 95,100 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 31%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 14%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 9%

Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 7%

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

57% of material handlers work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 79% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 21% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 17% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

•Demand for this occupation is driven by trade and transportation and warehousing, which are currently tariff exposed and subject to economic cycles.

•Key trends in this occupation include robotics (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and automation (Automated Guided Vehicles) for packing and palletizing. machine Learning (ML) allows systems and robots to learn and adapt to changes in warehouse environments.

•Jobs are concentrated in the South Central, North Central and Winnipeg regions.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in Manitoba:

Approximately 7,200 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 15%

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 14%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%

Computer, electronic and electrical product manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 9%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations

64% of material handlers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 89% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 11% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 48% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for material handlers (NOC 75101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by conditions (i.e.

international trade policy) in wholesale trade, manufacturing, and the transportation and warehousing sectors. Key trends in this occupation include robotics (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and automation (Automated Guided Vehicles) for packing and palletizing.

Machine Learning (ML) allows systems and robots to learn and adapt to changes in warehouse environments.

In June 2025, Amazon opened the 825K sq.

ft.

YXX1 warehouse in Pitt Meadows.

The facility employs over 100 people and serves as a logistics hub for shipping products throughout the Lower Mainland region.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in British Columbia:

Approximately 30,100 people work in this occupation.

Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:

Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 18%

Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 16%

Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 16%

Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 8%

Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations

59% of material handlers work all year, while 41% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 19% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 16% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations