Material handlers (equipment operators)

Nova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Demand is strong for material handlers throughout the province, with vacancies arising continuously. Openings occur frequently due to turnover, as the fast pace and physicality in certain workplaces are not suitable for all workers. Applicants may find that training and experience operating a forklift are assets for certain positions. Candidates may be expected to have their own vehicle as shiftwork may occur at night when public transit is not available.Here are some key facts about material handlers in Nova Scotia: Approximately 4,750 people work in this occupation. Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors: Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 22%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 10%Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 8%Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 84% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations60% of material handlers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 89% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 11% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 21% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

Prince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.The prospect for employment in this occupation is good as the demand for workers has been on the rise. Job opportunities are mostly found across the manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and wholesale and retail trade industries. Some individuals in this occupation mainly perform manual tasks while others operate equipment. A forklift operator certification is an asset for securing employment. Material handlers may also be required to obtain training and receive a licence to transport dangerous goods and hazardous materials. Individuals who are willing to work flexible shifts, including overnight, will have more favourable job prospects.Here are some key facts about material handlers in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 600 people work in this occupation. Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors: Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 19%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 18%Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 10%Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 8%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 89% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 11% compared to 16% for all occupations48% of material handlers work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 91% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 9% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 17% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 11% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 25% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

New Brunswick

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Material handlers are employed by transportation, storage and moving companies, as well as in warehouses throughout a variety of sectors.  This work is physically demanding and involves handling heavy loads. Most material handlers are employed in Moncton and Saint John, where the majority of the province’s industrial activity takes place. Both are significant railway hubs, while the latter is also home to the Port of Saint John, which is New Brunswick’s largest port.Here are some key facts about material handlers in New Brunswick: Approximately 3,650 people work in this occupation. Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors: Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 18%Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 13%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%Food and beverage stores (NAICS 445): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 90% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 10% compared to 16% for all occupations62% of material handlers work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 91% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 9% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 20% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations