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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:
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.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one job to another. In general, furniture movers wrap and pack items, making sure everything is secure in the vehicle. They take an inventory 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.
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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jan 06, 2023 and Jan 31, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Load, unload and move products and materials by hand or with basic material handling equipment | 91 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Pack and unpack goods | 82 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 79 |
| Tasks: Operate a variety of equipment to load, unload and move materials and products | 73 |
| Tasks: Sort, crate and stack goods | 69 |
| Tasks: Pick orders and stock | 65 |
| Tasks: Wrap goods | 65 |
| Tasks: Weigh materials and goods | 60 |
| Handling heavy loads | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 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 1, 3, or 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 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 particular 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. Van supervisory positions require 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.
Furniture movers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7452: Material handlers. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 7452: Material handlers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 215 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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
| Public Administration | $54,988 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $54,482 |
| Construction | $53,311 |
| Manufacturing | $49,643 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $44,734 |
| Wholesale Trade | $44,475 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $43,415 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $40,683 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $38,014 |
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $37,941 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $36,457 |
| Retail Trade | $34,558 |
Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) website: www.mover.net
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.