Material Handler Jobs in Canada
Sector: Logistics, Warehouse & Transport · Gross pay (hourly): commonly CAD 16.55–30.29 (varies by province/shift/experience) · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto / GTA), Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver)
Hiring snapshot
Warehouses in Canada hire Material Handlers when operations need reliable flow from receiving to storage and from picking to shipping. This role is common in 3PL logistics, retail distribution, manufacturing warehouses, and seasonal peaks. Your value is consistency: safe handling, accurate scanning, and steady pace across shifts.
Pay snapshot (gross hourly) and what drives the rate
All figures on this page are shown as gross (before taxes). Actual pay depends on province, union/non-union environment, shift premiums, overtime rules, equipment authorization (e.g., forklift), and your accuracy/pace.
| Province / metro example | Typical range (gross, CAD/hour) | Common reasons for being at the top end |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario (Toronto / GTA) | ~ 17.60–29.70 | Night shift premium, high-volume distribution, equipment authorization, strong KPIs |
| Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton) | ~ 16.00–31.73 | Specialized facilities, overtime patterns, colder/industrial environments, equipment variety |
| British Columbia (Vancouver) | ~ 17.85–34.00 | Cost-of-living markets, complex receiving, schedule premiums, certified equipment roles |
Tip: In interviews, ask how performance is measured (accuracy, scan compliance, throughput), and whether the site uses premiums for nights/weekends.
Day-to-day tasks
- Unload inbound goods, verify labels, and stage pallets or cartons for receiving
- Scan and record movements (RF scanner / WMS steps), maintain location accuracy
- Pick orders (case/piece), build stable pallets, and wrap/secure for shipping
- Put-away and replenishment: move stock to assigned locations, rotate inventory where required
- Support shipping: sort lanes, load outbound trailers, check paperwork and damage flags
- Maintain housekeeping: keep aisles clear, follow spill response and safety rules
Skills and requirements
- Basic English for instructions and safety communication (A2+ is helpful)
- Warehouse discipline: punctuality, accuracy, and ability to repeat processes consistently
- Comfort with physical work (standing, walking, lifting; exact limits depend on site)
- Safety mindset: correct stacking, load stability, and hazard awareness
- Eligibility to work legally in Canada as required by law and employer policy
Certificates that help (nice-to-have)
- Forklift / powered industrial truck authorization (site-specific)
- WHMIS / general safety orientation
- First aid (beneficial at some facilities)
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can follow a process precisely (scan steps, location rules, load rules)
- stay calm during peak volume and keep accuracy under pressure
- care about safety and keep aisles/work areas clean
- can work shifts reliably (days/evenings/nights depending on the site)
- are comfortable with repetitive tasks and steady pace
- can handle cartons/pallet work as required by the facility
- communicate clearly about issues (damage, shortages, mislabels)
This role is not for you if you…
- avoid routine or repeated workflows
- prefer flexible start/finish times (many sites run strict shift schedules)
- ignore safety rules “to be faster”
- struggle with standing/walking for most of the shift
- cannot keep basic accuracy with labels, quantities, and locations
Work conditions in Canada (practical overview)
- Schedule: day/evening/night shifts are common; some sites run rotating shifts
- Overtime: often paid at a premium according to provincial rules or collective agreements
- Safety: PPE expectations typically include safety footwear; some sites require hi-vis, gloves, hearing protection
- Tools/equipment: pallet jacks and scanners are common; powered equipment depends on authorization
- Probation/training: onboarding usually includes safety orientation and WMS workflow training
- Deductions: standard payroll deductions apply; additional items may include uniforms or benefits where applicable
Details vary by project, location, and season. This page describes a practical baseline for the role.
Documents for legal work in Canada
Employers can only hire candidates who can work legally in Canada. Your situation may involve:
- Work permit: employer-specific (tied to an employer) or open (not tied); the type depends on your pathway
- Identity documents: valid passport and any required immigration/work documents
- SIN: a Social Insurance Number is required for payroll once authorized to work
- Checks: some workplaces require background checks or role-specific screening
- Licensing: equipment authorization is often site-based; regulated trade licensing applies only when relevant
We do not provide immigration guarantees on this vacancy page. Final eligibility is determined by Canadian rules and employer compliance.
How to apply (CV required)
- Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Add your warehouse skills (receiving, picking, scanning), equipment experience, and shift availability
- Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates
Pay ranges are indicative gross rates. Actual pay depends on province, overtime, shift premiums, experience, and employer policy.
Related roles in Logistics, Warehouse & Transport
Internal links to similar vacancies
FAQ
Is a CV required to apply?
Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Use mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Do I need a forklift certificate?
Not always. Many sites hire material handlers for manual or pallet-jack work, while powered equipment usually requires site authorization or certification.
What are typical locations for this role?
Common markets include Ontario (Toronto / GTA), Alberta (Calgary / Edmonton), and British Columbia (Vancouver). Exact sites depend on projects and season.
What typically increases pay?
Province, shift premiums (evenings/nights), overtime patterns, union/non-union conditions, equipment authorization, and performance metrics (accuracy and throughput).