Materials Handler Jobs in Arlington, TX
A plant that builds thousands of full-size SUVs a week runs on parts arriving at the right station at the right minute, and at GM Arlington Assembly that flow is kept moving by materials handlers who feed the line, sequence parts, and run tuggers and forklifts nonstop. With the plant, its just-in-time suppliers, and the sprawling Great Southwest Industrial District warehouses, materials handler work is one of the most plentiful entry points into Arlington manufacturing.
Current material handler Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Materials Handlers
The GM plant, its suppliers, and area warehouses drive most materials handler hiring.
- GM Arlington Assembly - line feeding, parts sequencing, and material moves across shifts.
- Android Industries - just-in-time sequencing and module delivery to the plant.
- Faurecia (Forvia) - materials handling for seating and interior supply.
- Lear Corporation - parts handling and line delivery.
- Ryder / logistics providers - inbound logistics serving the automotive plants.
- Local staffing agencies - temp-to-hire pipelines into plant and supplier material roles.
Materials Handler Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $15 to $19 per hour.
- Experienced: about $19 to $25 per hour.
- Senior / lead: $25 to $32+ per hour for lead handlers and on the GM UAW scale.
These are estimates that vary by employer, shift, and union status. GM UAW roles add medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, shift premiums, and overtime pay.
How to Become a Materials Handler in Arlington
Most materials handler jobs require a high school diploma or GED and the ability to pass a drug screen and background check. No state license is required, but a forklift certification is a strong advantage and is often provided on the job. Tarrant County College and area workforce programs offer logistics and forklift training. Many handlers start through a staffing agency and hire on direct after proving reliable attendance. Physical stamina and dependability are what employers screen for most.
What the Job Involves
Materials handlers move parts and materials through the plant or warehouse: they load and unload trucks, operate forklifts and tuggers, deliver parts to line stations in the right sequence, scan and track inventory, stage kits, and keep the line supplied so it never runs short. The work is physical, fast-paced, and time-sensitive, since a late part can stop production.
Skills Employers Look For
- Reliable attendance and dependability
- Forklift and tugger operation (certification a plus)
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stay on your feet all shift
- Accuracy with scanning, counting, and sequencing
- Awareness of safety and pedestrian/forklift traffic rules
- Comfort with a fast pace and rotating shifts
Career Path and Advancement
Materials handlers advance to lead handler, inventory specialist, logistics coordinator, or into assembler and production-technician roles, and at GM into the UAW seniority and skilled-trades path. Earning forklift and inventory-system skills and showing reliable attendance is the fastest way up. It is one of the best entry doors into the whole plant.
Related Careers in Arlington
If materials handling interests you, these related Arlington roles are close neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a materials handler in Arlington?
No state license is required. A high school diploma or GED is standard, and you must pass a drug screen and background check. A forklift certification helps and is often provided on the job.
How long does it take to become a materials handler?
You can start almost immediately once hired, since most training is on the job over a few days to a couple of weeks. Getting hired direct at GM after starting through a supplier or agency depends on proven attendance and openings, often a few months.
Do materials handlers need to operate a forklift?
Often yes. Many roles involve forklifts, tuggers, or pallet jacks, and employers usually provide certification training. Some line-feed roles are more walking and manual delivery, so it varies by station.
Can materials handler work be done remotely in Arlington?
No. Moving physical parts and materials is entirely on-site at the plant or warehouse. There is no remote option.
Which Arlington employer pays materials handlers the most?
GM Arlington Assembly generally pays the most on the UAW scale once shift premiums, overtime, and benefits are included. Suppliers and logistics providers can be a faster way in the door at slightly lower starting pay.
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