After several years of steady increases, raises are flattening across the field

What’s Related

Materials handling professionals are still earning solid paychecks in 2025, but the rate of growth continues to cool. According to Modern Materials Handling’s latest annual salary survey, the average salary reached $104,301, up slightly from $101,904 in 2024. The median salary climbed to $99,000, up $3,000 year over year.

While most respondents (69%) reported a pay increase in the past 12 months, that figure is down from 72% last year and 77% in 2023. The average salary gain also fell to 4.0%, the lowest in four years. Median raises slipped to 3% from 4% a year ago.

“Raises are still happening, but they’re smaller and less consistent,” the survey noted. “Companies appear to be holding the line on compensation after several years of higher increases.”

The slowdown comes as manufacturers and warehouse operators face pressure to manage costs amid a mixed economic climate. Even as many respondents described their jobs as secure, fewer reported sizable bonuses or incentive pay. The average bonus dropped from $26,048 last year to $22,780 in 2025, and only 17% said their bonus plan improved from 2024.

Experience and responsibility still pay 

Those in leadership roles continue to earn more. Respondents with supervisory duties averaged $111,376, compared to $87,412 for non-supervisors. Professionals with budget authority also earned about $21,000 more than those without.

Longevity remains another factor. Workers with 20 or more years in the field reported average salaries above $113,000, while newcomers with less than five years of experience averaged just under $78,000.

Regional differences hold steady

Geographic pay gaps persist. The West and Mid-Atlantic led all regions with average salaries around $111,000, while the Midwest and South averaged closer to $100,000. Those in the Southeast continued to report strong pay levels, with a median salary of $105,000.

Outlook for 2026

Despite slower growth, morale remains high. Nearly 90% of respondents said they like their current job, and 91% would recommend the profession to others. Still, many are watching to see if raises pick up again next year or if 2025 marks the start of a plateau.

“The numbers show stability,” the report concluded, “but not the kind of upward momentum we saw earlier in the decade.”