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Materials Handler, Mover
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another. In general, furniture movers wrap and pack items, and make sure everything is secure inside the moving vehicle. They take an inventory of furniture and equipment, noting existing defects or damage. They also:
If anything is missing or damaged at the time of delivery, movers must note the details. This enables the company to trace the item or compensate the customer.
Furniture movers may drive long distances. They may make minor repairs to furniture and equipment.
Part of a furniture mover’s day is spent riding in a van. However, most of the time they are on their feet. They frequently move items weighing over 55 kilograms. They must use proper equipment and lifting techniques to avoid injury. Most movers wear uniforms. These are either supplied by the company or sold to movers at a discount.
Employment may be seasonal. The peak season is from May to September. Volumes increase at the end of each month.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing information to perform other material handling activities such as counting, weighing, sorting, packing and unpacking
Interest in feeding - offbearing to move household appliances and furniture on and off moving trucks and vans
Interest in arranging articles in vans to form compact loads and in securing articles to prevent damage and breakage
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Furniture movers need:
They should enjoy handling, sorting, and packing materials. They should be comfortable arranging articles to form compact, secure loads. They should enjoy using tools and equipment and dealing with the public.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 130 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 22, 2024 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Load, unload and move products and materials by hand or with basic material handling equipment | 126 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Operate a variety of equipment to load, unload and move materials and products | 108 |
| Tasks: Pack and unpack goods | 107 |
| Tasks: Sort, crate and stack goods | 99 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 97 |
| Experience: Will train | 85 |
| Tasks: Wrap goods | 76 |
| Tasks: Weigh materials and goods | 67 |
| Tasks: Pick orders and stock | 63 |
| Tasks: Transport and distribute materials and goods | 54 |
There are no standard education requirements for this occupation. However, math skills and English communication skills are required. Related experience, a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence, and an air brake endorsement are definite assets.
Furniture movers are trained on the job.
Increasingly, the furniture moving industry relies on smartphones. Movers must take photos and have email access. Knowledge and skills with smartphones is an asset.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most furniture movers start as helpers employed for the summer months by transportation, storage, and moving companies.
Employers offer full-time, year-round positions only to their most experienced and productive workers.
Experienced movers may specialize in specific activities such as office moves or installations. If they have the required driver’s licences and endorsements, they may move into local or long-distance driver positions. Candidates for van supervisory positions must have good customer-relations skills, the ability to handle the required paperwork, and driving qualifications.
In large moving companies, positions such as dispatcher, estimator, or advisor for international moves may require a high school diploma. Theses positions may also require basic computer skills, such as word processing and creating spreadsheets. Some experienced movers buy their own trucks or tractor-trailers and become independent operators. They may contract their services to long-distance movers or to the public.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Material handlers
2016 NOC: 7452
83.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $25.55 | $19.02 | $18.36 |
| Overall | $16.22 | $31.36 | $22.06 | $22.00 |
| Top | $17.89 | $38.00 | $25.42 | $25.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $40,683 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $54,482 |
| Construction | $53,311 |
| Manufacturing | $49,643 |
| Wholesale Trade | $44,475 |
| Retail Trade | $34,558 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $36,457 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $44,734 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $37,941 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $38,014 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $43,415 |
| Public Administration | $54,988 |
Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) website: www.mover.net
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
