Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Durham, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Median annual salary $36,450 -6.4% vs national
Median hourly $17.53
10th percentile $18,290
90th percentile $47,270
Employed locally 4,980
National median $38,940

Compare Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary & buying power

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Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
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Durham, NC
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    In Durham, NC, the typical laborer and freight, stock, and material mover earns a median annual salary of $36,450, which equates to approximately $17.53 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $38,940 annually. When compared to the area's median household income of $81,017, it is evident that these workers earn significantly less than the average household in Durham. Despite a relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.20%, laborers and freight movers typically do not match the earning potential found in many other professions within the same locality.

    The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers in this field is notable, driven primarily by skill level, tenure, and responsibilities. At the lower end of the salary spectrum, individuals at the 10th percentile earn about $18,290 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $29,740. Conversely, more experienced workers or those with greater responsibility can see earnings rise to $41,630 at the 75th percentile and up to $47,270 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as specialized skills, union membership, and shifts in demand for labor all contribute to these salary variations within the occupation. As experience accumulates and workers take on more complex tasks or leadership roles, their earning potential increases correspondingly.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,290
    25th
    $29,740
    50th (median)
    $36,450
    75th
    $41,630
    90th
    $47,270

    Durham economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $81,017 2023 • Census ACS
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary vs area income 45% Median Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary is 55% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand make per hour in Durham?

    The median hourly wage for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Durham, NC is $17.53, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.89 or more per hour.

    Is Durham above or below average for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salaries?

    The median Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary in Durham, NC is 6.4% below the national median of $38,940. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Durham?

    Entry-level Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (10th percentile) earn around $18,290 per year in Durham, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,740.