Material Handler Jobs in California
Material handler jobs in California are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in warehouse and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, food and beverage manufacturing, and pharmaceutical logistics, at every level from entry-level picker to senior lead handler. The busiest hiring markets are Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where major employers like Amazon, PepsiCo, and Kaiser Permanente maintain large distribution and supply chain operations throughout the state. The most sought-after specialties in California include forklift operation, hazardous materials handling, and cold chain logistics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Material Handler jobs
Overview:
Provides warehouse services assigned through safe, efficient, cost effective and accurate handling of customer products and material using specially equipped trucks such as slips-sheet, clamps and reach. This position may involve all phases of loading, unloading, staging and storage of customer's product as well as the use of computer equipment.
Overview:
Provides warehouse services assigned through safe, efficient, cost effective and accurate handling of customer products and material using specially equipped trucks such as slips-sheet, clamps and reach. This position may involve all phases of loading, unloading, staging and storage of customer's product as well as the use of computer equipment.
See All 12 Material Handler Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Material Handler JobsMaterial Handler Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Material Handler Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- APL Logistics4
- Clean Harbors1
- DIVERGENT1
- EnerSys1
- GXO Logistics1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services8
- Manufacturing2
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Electronics & Hardware1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in material handler jobs across California.
- Forklift operator certification from an OSHA-compliant California employer training program required
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout an eight-hour shift
- Familiarity with warehouse management systems such as SAP or Manhattan WMS
- High school diploma or GED equivalent accepted by most California distribution centers
- Experience following California-specific safety regulations including Cal/OSHA standards
- Reliable transportation to reach industrial parks and fulfillment centers outside city centers
Material Handler Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a material handler in California?
Becoming a material handler in California does not require a state-issued license, but employers expect forklift certification completed through an OSHA-compliant on-site training program, which California employers are required to provide before operators use equipment. A high school diploma or GED is the standard education baseline. Candidates who complete a forklift safety course, earn a hazardous materials awareness certificate, or gain experience through a staffing agency warehouse placement move to the front of most California hiring queues.
Which companies hire material handlers in California?
Employers hiring material handlers in California right now include APL Logistics, Clean Harbors, and DIVERGENT, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's size and its concentration of e-commerce fulfillment, cold storage, and consumer goods distribution make it one of the most active states for material handler hiring year-round.
Which California cities have the most material handler jobs?
The cities with the most material handler openings in California are Gardena, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. The Inland Empire around Ontario and San Bernardino anchors much of the volume because major national retailers and logistics companies have built their West Coast distribution infrastructure there, while Los Angeles drives demand from port-adjacent warehousing and consumer goods fulfillment, and the Bay Area adds openings tied to pharmaceutical and tech hardware supply chains.
Are there remote material handler jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Material handling is an inherently physical, on-site role involving equipment operation, inventory movement, and loading and unloading, so the vast majority of positions require daily presence in a warehouse or facility. About 0% of material handler openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be inventory coordination or logistics support roles where scheduling and tracking can be done off-site.
How can I get hired as a material handler in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to a temp-to-hire warehouse position through a California staffing agency, which places candidates with major distribution centers in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles basin without requiring prior experience. Large employers like Amazon and PepsiCo run structured onboarding programs that train new hires on equipment and Cal/OSHA safety standards from day one. Moving from an adjacent role such as retail stockroom associate or grocery receiver is another common route, and completing a forklift safety course before applying gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to material handler jobs in California?
You can find and apply to material handler jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the state's major distribution and manufacturing hubs. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 12 Material Handler Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Material Handler Jobs