There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
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 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Material handlers (manual)
2023 OaSIS: 75101.01
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
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 109 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 07, 2025 and Nov 14, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Load, unload and move products and materials by hand or with basic material handling equipment | 94 |
|---|---|
| Handling heavy loads | 72 |
| Attention to detail | 72 |
| Tasks: Operate a variety of equipment to load, unload and move materials and products | 70 |
| Tasks: Pack and unpack goods | 69 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 62 |
| Tasks: Sort, crate and stack goods | 60 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 53 |
| Tasks: Transport and distribute materials and goods | 52 |
| Construction Specialization: Hardworking | 50 |
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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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: 2024-2026 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 Employment Standards Rules.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 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 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 | $16.00 | $28.24 | $19.77 | $19.90 |
| Overall | $16.50 | $30.49 | $22.77 | $22.07 |
| Top | $19.00 | $38.00 | $26.98 | $26.00 |
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 | $44,318 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $56,961 |
| Manufacturing | $50,783 |
| Wholesale Trade | $44,478 |
| Retail Trade | $37,818 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $43,604 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $51,265 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $40,814 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $40,523 |
| Public Administration | $61,025 |
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.
