What Do Movers Get Paid?

Entry-level moving helpers earn $14 to $18 per hour. Drivers typically earn $18 to $25 per hour. Foremen and crew leads earn $20 to $30 per hour. Owner-operators who run their own trucks can earn $30 to $50 per hour or more, though their expenses (fuel, insurance, truck payments) are significantly higher. These figures vary by metro area, company size, and season.

Some companies offer overtime or per-job bonuses during peak season (June through August), but base hourly rates usually stay the same. Movers earn more during peak season because they work longer hours and more days per week. A mover earning $17 per hour who works 50 to 60 hours per week in summer (vs 35 to 40 in winter) can see weekly pay increase by 40 to 70%.

Tipping is customary but not required. The standard range is $20 to $40 per mover for a local move, or $40 to $80 per mover for a long-distance move. For context, a $40 tip equals roughly 2 to 3 hours of a helper's base pay. Tip each crew member individually in cash at the end of the job. If the move takes a full day (8+ hours) or involves stairs, heavy items, or extreme heat, tipping on the higher end is appropriate.

At large van lines (United, Atlas, Mayflower), full-time employees often receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. At smaller local companies, benefits are less common. Many movers are classified as independent contractors and receive no benefits. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, only about 55% of hand laborers and material movers have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.

Moving helpers earn roughly the same as warehouse workers ($15 to $19 per hour) and less than construction laborers ($17 to $22 per hour) or HVAC technicians ($20 to $30 per hour). The physical demands are comparable to construction, but moving work is less consistent due to seasonal fluctuations. Experienced movers who become drivers or foremen close the gap with skilled trades.

Companies that pay $14 per hour experience annual turnover rates of 80 to 120%. That means your crew likely has less than 6 months of experience. Companies paying $20 or more per hour retain experienced crews who handle furniture more carefully, work more efficiently, and cause less damage. When comparing moving quotes, a slightly higher price often reflects better-paid, more experienced crews.

Most movers are paid hourly. Some companies use a per-job model where the crew splits a flat fee. Commission-based pay (a percentage of the job's total price) is less common and mostly seen at brokerages. Hourly pay is generally better for customers because the crew has no incentive to rush. Per-job pay can lead to faster but rougher handling.