GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Material Handling Industry Statistics

Material handling industry faces workforce challenges despite automation and training efforts.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The material handling industry is valued at approximately $200 billion globally

Statistic 2

The demand for material handling equipment specialists is projected to grow by 12% over the next 5 years

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The median hourly wage for material handlers is approximately $16.50

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Approximately 50% of warehouse operations in North America are fully automated

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88% of material handling companies utilize some form of HRIS (Human Resources Information System)

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The industry experiences a productivity increase of 20% on average with the adoption of HR technology

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The median age of workers in the material handling industry is 42 years

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The average length of employment in the industry is about 3.5 years

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The industry’s workforce is approximately 75% male

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Women account for about 25% of the material handling workforce

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The average salary for a material handling supervisor is around $65,000 annually

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45% of HR managers report difficulty in attracting younger workers to the industry

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Over 40% of the industry’s HR workforce has received specialized training in diversity and inclusion

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22% of employees in the industry report high job satisfaction

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30% of HR managers plan to expand their diversity and inclusion initiatives in the upcoming year

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The average annual turnover rate for warehouse workers is around 30%

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On average, companies in the industry spend about 15% of their operational budget on HR and employee management

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65% of HR managers in the industry report difficulty in recruiting skilled material handling technicians

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40% of material handling firms have implemented HR software systems to manage employee data

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Approximately 55% of HR professionals in material handling view employee retention as a top challenge

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60% of HR departments use data analytics to improve hiring decisions

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Employee turnover costs the industry approximately $2 billion annually

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The industry’s average vacancy rate for skilled roles is about 8%

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25% of companies have implemented apprenticeship programs for skill development

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85% of companies in the industry measure employee training effectiveness

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30% of industry HR managers plan to increase cybersecurity training for employees

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The industry’s average onboarding period for new employees is 30 days

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Approximately 20% of material handling companies report experiencing labor shortages during peak seasons

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50% of HR departments use automated applicant tracking systems

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42% of HR leaders believe that remote work options improve employee retention

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68% of companies are planning to increase their investment in workforce development over the next year

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55% of employees feel they have adequate opportunities for career advancement

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35% of industry HR managers state that automation has reduced employment opportunities in certain roles

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The average length of recruitment process in the industry is 45 days

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45% of HR teams report challenges in compliance with changing labor laws

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28% of industry HR professionals have formal training in labor law and regulations

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Over 50% of the industry workforce receives ongoing safety certifications annually

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Employee engagement levels in the industry are reported at 60%

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About 15% of the industry’s workforce is engaged in specialized technical training annually

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25% of industry companies have experienced cybersecurity breaches in their HR data systems

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52% of HR professionals believe industry-specific certifications improve employee performance

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The annual training expenditure per employee averages $1,200

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Approximately 70% of material handling companies provide ongoing safety training for their employees

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The industry experiences an annual injury rate of 4.2 per 100 full-time workers

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38% of HR professionals say employee burnout is a primary contributor to high turnover

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About 60% of workers in the industry feel their safety concerns are adequately addressed

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15% of HR budgets are allocated towards mental health and wellness programs

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The industry has a high incidence of repetitive strain injuries, with 12% of workers affected annually

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81% of workers in the industry have access to employee assistance programs

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The industry’s average sick leave utilization rate is 7 days per year per employee

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Key Highlights

The material handling industry is valued at approximately $200 billion globally
Approximately 50% of warehouse operations in North America are fully automated
The average annual turnover rate for warehouse workers is around 30%
On average, companies in the industry spend about 15% of their operational budget on HR and employee management
65% of HR managers in the industry report difficulty in recruiting skilled material handling technicians
The median age of workers in the material handling industry is 42 years
Approximately 70% of material handling companies provide ongoing safety training for their employees
The industry experiences an annual injury rate of 4.2 per 100 full-time workers
40% of material handling firms have implemented HR software systems to manage employee data
The average length of employment in the industry is about 3.5 years
Approximately 55% of HR professionals in material handling view employee retention as a top challenge
The industry’s workforce is approximately 75% male
Women account for about 25% of the material handling workforce

With a $200 billion global valuation and rapid automation transforming warehouses across North America, the material handling industry’s HR landscape faces pressing challenges—from high turnover rates and labor shortages to the growing need for skilled technicians and diversity initiatives—highlighting the crucial role of workforce management in driving industry growth.

Industry Economics and Equipment Demand

The material handling industry is valued at approximately $200 billion globally
The demand for material handling equipment specialists is projected to grow by 12% over the next 5 years
The median hourly wage for material handlers is approximately $16.50

Industry Economics and Equipment Demand Interpretation

With a global valuation of $200 billion, a 12% projected growth in demand, and median wages hovering around $16.50 an hour, the material handling industry might just be the underrated titan of logistics—where steady jobs meet substantial economic muscle.

Technology Adoption and Training

Approximately 50% of warehouse operations in North America are fully automated
88% of material handling companies utilize some form of HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
The industry experiences a productivity increase of 20% on average with the adoption of HR technology

Technology Adoption and Training Interpretation

With half of North American warehouses now fully automated and a commanding 88% of material handling firms integrating HRIS, the industry's 20% productivity boost underscores that embracing HR technology isn't just about human resources—it's a logistical necessity for competitive advantage.

Workforce Demographics and Diversity

The median age of workers in the material handling industry is 42 years
The average length of employment in the industry is about 3.5 years
The industry’s workforce is approximately 75% male
Women account for about 25% of the material handling workforce
The average salary for a material handling supervisor is around $65,000 annually
45% of HR managers report difficulty in attracting younger workers to the industry
Over 40% of the industry’s HR workforce has received specialized training in diversity and inclusion
22% of employees in the industry report high job satisfaction
30% of HR managers plan to expand their diversity and inclusion initiatives in the upcoming year

Workforce Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

Despite a seasoned median age of 42 and a relatively brief tenure of 3.5 years, the material handling industry faces the dual challenge of attracting a younger, more diverse workforce—highlighted by only 25% female participation and a significant focus on D&I initiatives—while balancing the reality that only 22% of employees report high job satisfaction, underscoring both the industry's evolving inclusivity efforts and pressing need for improved employee engagement.

Workforce Management and HR Practices

The average annual turnover rate for warehouse workers is around 30%
On average, companies in the industry spend about 15% of their operational budget on HR and employee management
65% of HR managers in the industry report difficulty in recruiting skilled material handling technicians
40% of material handling firms have implemented HR software systems to manage employee data
Approximately 55% of HR professionals in material handling view employee retention as a top challenge
60% of HR departments use data analytics to improve hiring decisions
Employee turnover costs the industry approximately $2 billion annually
The industry’s average vacancy rate for skilled roles is about 8%
25% of companies have implemented apprenticeship programs for skill development
85% of companies in the industry measure employee training effectiveness
30% of industry HR managers plan to increase cybersecurity training for employees
The industry’s average onboarding period for new employees is 30 days
Approximately 20% of material handling companies report experiencing labor shortages during peak seasons
50% of HR departments use automated applicant tracking systems
42% of HR leaders believe that remote work options improve employee retention
68% of companies are planning to increase their investment in workforce development over the next year
55% of employees feel they have adequate opportunities for career advancement
35% of industry HR managers state that automation has reduced employment opportunities in certain roles
The average length of recruitment process in the industry is 45 days
45% of HR teams report challenges in compliance with changing labor laws
28% of industry HR professionals have formal training in labor law and regulations
Over 50% of the industry workforce receives ongoing safety certifications annually
Employee engagement levels in the industry are reported at 60%
About 15% of the industry’s workforce is engaged in specialized technical training annually
25% of industry companies have experienced cybersecurity breaches in their HR data systems
52% of HR professionals believe industry-specific certifications improve employee performance
The annual training expenditure per employee averages $1,200

Workforce Management and HR Practices Interpretation

Faced with a 30% turnover rate costing the industry $2 billion annually, material handling companies are investing in HR tech, apprenticeships, and workforce development—yet still grapple with recruitment challenges, cybersecurity threats, and balancing automation with job opportunities, highlighting the urgent need for strategic talent management in a rapidly evolving industry.

Workplace Safety and Employee Well-being

Approximately 70% of material handling companies provide ongoing safety training for their employees
The industry experiences an annual injury rate of 4.2 per 100 full-time workers
38% of HR professionals say employee burnout is a primary contributor to high turnover
About 60% of workers in the industry feel their safety concerns are adequately addressed
15% of HR budgets are allocated towards mental health and wellness programs
The industry has a high incidence of repetitive strain injuries, with 12% of workers affected annually
81% of workers in the industry have access to employee assistance programs
The industry’s average sick leave utilization rate is 7 days per year per employee

Workplace Safety and Employee Well-being Interpretation

While a majority of material handling firms invest in safety training and support programs, the persistent injury rate and high burnout underscore the urgent need for a holistic approach that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being to truly lift industry standards.