Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Reading, PA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Reading, PA

Median annual salary $41,800 +7.3% vs national
Median hourly $20.09
10th percentile $33,890
90th percentile $53,890
Employed locally 5,430
National median $38,940

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

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    In Reading, PA, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers who work manually earn a median annual salary of $41,800, which is notably higher than the national median for this occupation at $38,940. This places them in a relatively advantageous position when compared to local household incomes, where the area's median household income stands at $77,684. While these workers do not typically approach or surpass the median household income level individually, their earnings are above average within their specific occupational group, reflecting a competitive salary relative to similar positions across the country.

    Entry-level laborers and freight, stock, and material movers in Reading, PA, earn around $33,890 annually, which is at the 10th percentile of the salary distribution for this occupation. In contrast, those with more experience can see earnings up to $53,890, reaching the 90th percentile. The difference between entry-level and experienced workers' salaries is driven by factors such as tenure in the field, skill level, physical demands met, and proficiency in handling various materials. As these workers gain expertise and efficiency, their value increases, leading to higher compensation over time. Additionally, regional economic conditions, demand for labor, and local unemployment rates—currently at 3.70%—also play significant roles in shaping salary trends within this occupation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,890
    25th
    $36,800
    50th (median)
    $41,800
    75th
    $49,180
    90th
    $53,890

    Reading economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $77,684 2023 • Census ACS
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary vs area income 54% Median Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand salary is 46% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Reading, PA is $20.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.62 or more per hour.

    Is Reading 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 Reading, PA is 7.3% above 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 Reading?

    Entry-level Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (10th percentile) earn around $33,890 per year in Reading, PA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,800.