Working in a Moving Company: Opportunities and Realities in the United States

What Do Moving Companies Do in the U.S.?

Moving companies in the U.S. specialize in relocating both residential and commercial items from one location to another. This includes transporting household goods, office equipment, retail inventory, and sensitive or valuable items like antiques or medical devices. Services can range from full-service moves—where the company packs, loads, transports, and unpacks all belongings—to labor-only moves, where workers assist with lifting and loading. Many companies also offer packing materials, disassembly and reassembly services, insurance coverage, and temporary or long-term storage. The industry operates in urban, suburban, and rural areas and is essential for college students, military families, corporate relocations, and retirement transitions.

How to Find a Job in a Moving Company

Securing employment in a moving company is often straightforward and accessible to many. Job seekers can start by searching online job boards or visiting company websites directly. Social media platforms and community bulletin boards also frequently post moving job opportunities. Most positions do not require formal education beyond high school, which opens the door to those looking for quick entry into the workforce. Applicants may need to demonstrate physical fitness, punctuality, and reliability. Interviews often focus more on attitude and availability than on credentials. Word of mouth and referrals also play a significant role, especially in smaller companies. Temporary roles can often transition into full-time work with benefits and advancement opportunities.

Earnings and Salary Ranges in the Moving Industry

The pay structure in the moving industry depends on multiple factors, including job title, experience, geographic region, and company size. Entry-level movers who assist with loading and unloading can expect to earn up to $22 per hour. As they gain experience, they may see wage increases or opportunities for higher-paying roles. Drivers, particularly those with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), can earn significantly more—up to $34 per hour in some states. Experienced drivers are in high demand due to the responsibility and trust placed on them. Additionally, tips from satisfied clients can significantly boost daily earnings. Many movers report an extra up to $300 per week just in gratuities. Some companies offer bonuses for performance, weekend shifts, or handling specialty items. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. On average, a full-time worker can expect to earn a solid living wage in this field.

Driving Jobs with a License: A Smart Start

Possessing a valid driver’s license significantly broadens job opportunities within the moving industry. Drivers are responsible for operating moving trucks, navigating to destinations, managing routes, and ensuring the safety of all transported goods. Most moving trucks require no special license beyond a standard state-issued driver’s license, though a CDL may be needed for larger vehicles or interstate moves. Drivers are often seen as team leaders, coordinating with laborers and communicating with customers. Companies look for drivers with clean records and strong communication skills. They must be capable of handling difficult parking situations, narrow driveways, and unexpected weather conditions. For many, a job as a driver becomes a long-term career path, with potential promotions into operations or logistics management. It’s a reliable and essential role with steady demand in almost every city and region.

Most positions offer a consistent Monday through Friday schedule, providing workers with a predictable routine and time to rest on weekends. However, for those seeking extra hours or higher earnings, Saturday shifts are often available as well—especially during peak moving seasons or urgent relocation requests. This flexibility allows drivers to balance stable work hours with opportunities for additional income.

Getting Started With or Without Experience

Many people who join the moving industry do so without any previous experience, and many companies are prepared to provide on-the-job training. New hires usually begin by shadowing experienced team members and learning how to properly wrap, lift, and transport different types of items. They quickly pick up best practices for avoiding damage to customers' belongings and ensuring safety for themselves and others. Those with backgrounds in delivery, construction, or warehouse work tend to adapt quickly, but anyone with a good attitude and willingness to learn can succeed. As workers gain experience, they can move into more specialized roles—handling valuable or fragile items, leading crews, or managing logistics. The industry values dependability and a strong work ethic. Over time, even those who begin as temporary help may find stable, long-term careers with opportunities for advancement and financial growth.

Opportunities for Everyone

The moving industry is open to individuals of all genders and welcomes anyone over the age of 18 who is capable of meeting the physical demands of the job. While the work is often labor-intensive, there are roles suited to a wide range of strengths and interests. Men and women work side by side on moving crews, and gender diversity is increasingly encouraged in logistics and field operations. Many women excel in roles involving planning, client interaction, inventory management, and specialty packing. In addition, the industry provides valuable job opportunities for members of immigrant communities, including Latino workers and other ethnic diasporas. Spanish-speaking applicants are often in high demand due to the diverse client base and multicultural work environments. Many companies are open to hiring individuals regardless of language barriers, especially if they demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn. Some businesses offer bilingual supervision or provide training in both English and Spanish to support integration. Larger companies actively promote inclusivity and may provide mentorship programs, flexible schedules, or team-based assignments. Whether full-time or seasonal, the moving industry gives people from various backgrounds—including students, recent immigrants, and those seeking a new start—the chance to earn a stable income, develop valuable skills, and become part of a supportive and diverse workforce. Additionally, job seekers from Central and South American communities often find these roles attractive due to the low entry barrier and the opportunity to work with others who share similar cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Moving companies in cities with large Hispanic populations frequently form tight-knit teams where newcomers receive guidance, support, and training from more experienced workers. This environment not only eases the transition into the job but also fosters long-term loyalty and personal growth. The result is a workplace where hard work and dependability are rewarded, regardless of background, education, or immigration status, making the moving industry one of the more accessible and inclusive employment paths available today.