Material Handler Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Material handlers in Tucson keep production lines fed at manufacturers such as Rain Bird, Parker Hannifin, Weir Minerals and Air Distribution Technologies, and move supplies at the Tucson VA. Forklift experience is the usual edge, and experienced handlers earn roughly $19 to $23 an hour. Current openings are below.
Current Material Handler Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Material Handler Work in Tucson
In Tucson, material handling is mostly a manufacturing job. Parker Hannifin's Veriflo division has posted second-shift material handlers who kit parts for assembly, oldest stock first, and step into a clean room now and then. Weir Minerals has hired handlers to load and unload trucks with pallet jacks, forklifts and a small jib crane, then pick and stage parts for production. Air Distribution Technologies, in the 85705 area north of downtown, wants handlers who can run a forklift and work shop orders and shipping paperwork, and Rain Bird's Tucson plant has hired handlers to receive and verify raw material, stock racks and run cycle counts.
The biggest public employer of the role is the Southern Arizona VA. Its Tucson materials handler posting covered receiving, storing and shipping supplies, rotating out dated stock, handling hazardous and temperature-sensitive items and driving small trucks, Monday through Friday on day shift. The federal wage survey put the Tucson mean for transportation and material moving work at $21.95 an hour in May 2025.
Top Tucson Employers for Material Handlers
These Tucson employers hire material handlers:
- Rain Bird - the irrigation manufacturer's Tucson plant hires material handlers for receiving, stocking, cycle counts and rack audits.
- Parker Hannifin - the Veriflo division in Tucson hires material handlers to kit parts and replenish components for assembly.
- Weir Minerals - the mining equipment maker's Tucson site hires handlers to load trucks and pick and stage production parts.
- Air Distribution Technologies - an HVAC products manufacturer that hires forklift-certified material handlers at its Tucson plant.
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System - hires materials handlers in Tucson to receive, store and ship medical supplies.
Material Handler Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level: roughly $16 to $19 an hour.
- Experienced: roughly $19 to $23 an hour.
- Lead or federal roles: roughly $23 to $28 an hour.
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Forklift and reach truck experience, second shift and manufacturing settings push pay up, and the VA posted its Tucson materials handler at $23.97 to $27.97 an hour on the Federal Wage System. The 2026 minimum wage is $15.45 inside Tucson city limits and $15.15 elsewhere in Pima County, rising to $16.00 and $15.65 on January 1, 2027.
How to Become a Material Handler in Tucson
No degree is needed. Parker Hannifin's posting asked for a high school diploma or GED and six to twelve months of warehouse or production experience, and Weir Minerals asked for two to three years plus forklift experience. Arizona has no forklift license; under federal OSHA rules the employer trains and certifies each operator and re-evaluates them at least every three years, and Air Distribution Technologies lets new hires get certified after they start. Pima Community College's 16-week Logistics and Supply Chain Management Basic Certificate, offered in person or online, is a good next step for handlers who want inventory or coordinator work.
What the Job Involves
Material handlers unload trucks, check deliveries against paperwork, put stock away and pull it again for production or shipping. They kit parts for work orders, run pallet jacks and forklifts, label and record transfers in the inventory system and keep aisles clean and safe. Expect a lot of lifting, standing and walking.
Skills Employers Look For
- Forklift, reach truck or pallet jack experience
- Accuracy with part numbers, counts and paperwork
- Basic computer and scanner skills; SAP or ERP is a plus
- Safety habits and correct use of PPE
- Stamina for lifting, standing and bending
- Reliability on second shift and overtime
Career Path and Advancement
Tucson material handlers move up to senior handler or warehouse group leader, then into inventory specialist, shipping and receiving or production control work. Weir Minerals pairs handlers with a senior material handler, and Rain Bird posts warehouse group leader roles in Tucson. With the Pima logistics certificate or AAS, the ladder continues to supply chain coordinator.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson guides cover the closest alternatives for material handlers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a forklift license to be a material handler in Tucson?
Arizona has no forklift license. Federal OSHA rules require your employer to train, evaluate and certify you on the specific truck you drive. Many Tucson manufacturers prefer forklift experience, and some, like Air Distribution Technologies, let you certify after you are hired.
How much do material handlers make in Tucson?
Most experienced material handlers earn roughly $19 to $23 an hour, with entry roles around $16 to $19. The Southern Arizona VA posted its Tucson materials handler at $23.97 to $27.97 an hour.
Which Tucson employers hire material handlers?
Manufacturers lead: Rain Bird, Parker Hannifin's Veriflo division, Weir Minerals and Air Distribution Technologies have all posted material handler jobs in Tucson. The Southern Arizona VA hires materials handlers for its supply operation.
What shifts do Tucson material handlers work?
It depends on the plant. Recent Tucson postings included a Monday to Friday second shift from 2:30 p.m. to midnight at Parker Hannifin, a 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. day shift at Weir Minerals and a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. shift at the VA.
What is the difference between a material handler and a warehouse associate?
A material handler usually feeds a production line, moving raw material and parts between the dock, storage and assembly. A warehouse associate works in distribution, picking, packing and shipping orders. The skills overlap, so experience in one transfers to the other.
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