Material Handler Jobs in Arlington, TX
Material handlers are the connective tissue between Arlington's warehouses and its factory floors. Because Arlington is an automotive manufacturing town anchored by the GM Arlington Assembly plant, many material-handler jobs here are not just warehouse roles but line-feed positions that keep production moving. Auto suppliers like International Automotive Components and First Brands Group hire material handlers to receive, stage, and deliver parts to manufacturing lines, so this role bridges the logistics and manufacturing worlds that define the local economy.
Current material handler Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Material Handlers
Material-handler openings come from both distributors and the manufacturing plants that surround them:
- International Automotive Components - hires sit-down forklift material handlers to feed automotive production lines.
- First Brands Group - the automotive parts maker loads, palletizes, and moves materials by hand and by lift.
- Packaging Corporation of America - staffs material handlers and put-away operators at its Arlington plant.
- Daikin - the HVAC manufacturer hires warehouse associates and freight handlers to move product and inventory.
- Cardinal Health - the medical distributor staffs handlers who transport and organize medical supplies.
- Grainger - the industrial distributor hires handlers for loading, picking, and moving product with PIE pay premiums.
Material Handler Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $16 to $18 per hour for general material handling.
- Experienced: roughly $19 to $23 per hour, higher for forklift-certified line-feed handlers.
- Senior / lead: $24 to $28+ per hour at manufacturers and freight carriers with progression steps.
These are estimates that vary by industry and shift. Manufacturing material-handler roles at auto suppliers often pay more than general warehouse handling and add shift differentials, overtime, and full benefits.
How to Become a Material Handler in Arlington
Most material-handler jobs require a high school diploma or GED, being at least 18, and passing a drug screen and background check. Forklift or pallet-jack experience is a strong plus, and many roles require OSHA powered industrial truck certification that the employer will provide. For manufacturing line-feed positions, familiarity with RF scanners and warehouse management systems (WMS) helps; Tarrant County College logistics and manufacturing coursework pairs well with these roles.
What the Job Involves
Material handlers receive and inspect incoming shipments, move and store materials with hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts, and deliver parts and supplies where they are needed. In Arlington's manufacturing plants, that often means feeding raw materials and components to production lines on a schedule and recording every move in a WMS. The work is physical, paced, and safety-focused.
Skills Employers Look For
- Forklift and pallet-jack experience
- RF scanner and WMS familiarity
- Ability to lift 50 pounds or more repeatedly
- Accuracy in counting and staging materials
- Safety awareness around production lines and equipment
- Reliability and willingness to work shifts and overtime
Career Path and Advancement
Material handling is a strong entry point into both Arlington logistics and manufacturing. Handlers commonly advance to forklift operator, line-feed lead, inventory specialist, and shipping and receiving clerk, then into production support, logistics coordinator, and supervisor roles. In the auto-supplier ring around GM Arlington, proven handlers often move into higher-paying production and materials-planning tracks.
Related Careers in Arlington
If material handling interests you, these related Arlington roles are worth exploring:
- Warehouse Associate Jobs
- Forklift Operator Jobs
- Shipping and Receiving Clerk Jobs
- Inventory Specialist Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a material handler and a warehouse associate in Arlington?
The roles overlap heavily, but material handlers often work in manufacturing settings feeding production lines, while warehouse associates focus on receiving, picking, and shipping. In Arlington's auto-supplier plants, material handling frequently includes line-feed and just-in-time delivery duties.
How much do material handlers make in Arlington?
Entry-level pay generally runs about $16 to $18 per hour, experienced and forklift-certified handlers earn $19 to $23, and manufacturing or freight roles with progression can reach $24 to $28 or more.
Do you need a forklift certification to be a material handler?
Not always, but it helps a lot. Many Arlington material-handler roles operate sit-down or reach forklifts and require OSHA powered industrial truck certification, which most employers will provide through on-the-job training.
Which Arlington industries hire the most material handlers?
Automotive manufacturing is the biggest driver, with suppliers like International Automotive Components and First Brands Group feeding the GM Arlington plant, followed by packaging, HVAC, and medical distribution.
Is material handling physically demanding?
Yes. The job involves lifting 50 pounds or more, staying on your feet, and moving materials by hand and by lift throughout the shift, often in fast-paced production or distribution environments.
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