Real Employee Reviews and What to Expect
The US moving industry employs an estimated 130,000–150,000 workers at any given time, with demand for residential and commercial moving services swelling during peak summer months.
If you’re looking for a physically active job that pays weekly, doesn’t require a college degree, and offers tips on top of your base pay, the moving industry is worth a serious look.
But not all moving companies are created equal when it comes to the employee experience.
The difference between a well-managed local operation and a disorganized franchise can mean the difference between a rewarding career and a frustrating revolving-door job.
In this article, we review the major employers in the moving business, share what real workers say, and give you a practical guide to finding the right fit.
What the Data Says About Mover Pay in 2025
Before diving into individual companies, it’s worth grounding the conversation in industry-wide numbers.
According to Glassdoor’s most current salary data, the average mover in the United States earns approximately $46,000 per year — around $22 per hour. Salary.com reports a comparable median of about $44,130 annually, with the top 25% of earners taking home more than $48,000. Entry-level positions typically start between $15 and $18 per hour, with experienced workers and driver roles commanding higher rates.
Geography matters significantly. States like California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington DC pay professional movers considerably more than the national median, while rural states in the South and Midwest tend to pay less. Urban markets with high living costs almost always offer better compensation.
Tips represent a meaningful portion of mover income, but they’re wildly unpredictable. On a great day, a two- or three-person crew might split $80–$120 in gratuities. On a slow day, tips may be zero. Over the course of a year, a reliable mover who delivers great service might add several thousand dollars through tips alone, but it’s not something you can budget around consistently.
Major Moving Companies: Employee Reviews and Ratings
1. All My Sons Moving & Storage
Glassdoor Rating: 3.3/5 | Indeed Reviews: 1,400+ | Estimated Pay: $15–$18/hr base
All My Sons is one of the largest residential moving employers in the country. The reviews paint a mixed picture — accessible to get hired, fast onboarding, and a chance to earn tips on top of weekly pay. One driver shared:
“I have enjoyed my time at All My Sons so far. It is very straightforward each day: get the dispatch, do the packing if needed, then load and unload items. You will get very strong and fit from lifting and climbing stairs — that is no joke.”
— Indeed reviewer, All My Sons Moving & Storage
However, a substantial number of reviews flag concerns about compensation practices. Several workers report not being paid for travel time to job sites — a common complaint in the moving industry. One former mover wrote:
“You will NOT be getting paid for all the hours you are present for work during your shifts. You get in at 7 and leave at 5. You will be getting paid 8 hours for a 10 hour shift.”
— Indeed reviewer, All My Sons Moving & Storage
Best suited for: People who want to earn cash quickly, don’t mind physical work, and can handle scheduling unpredictability.
2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
Glassdoor Rating: 3.5/5 (614 reviews) | Indeed Reviews: 860+ | Estimated Pay: $15–$20/hr (franchise-dependent)
College Hunks is one of the most recognizable names in American moving, built on a brand promise of professionalism and positive energy. 53% of employees would recommend the company to a friend — a moderate score reflecting genuinely split experiences.
“The people are great, and the people you meet are great. We have a great culture, and we actually have fun in our roles.”
— Glassdoor reviewer, College Hunks Hauling Junk
A recurring theme is that advertised pay doesn’t always match actual take-home. One reviewer noted: ‘Pay says over $20/hr, but that includes overtime, upsell commission, and tips. The actual hourly rate is $15.’ For students or those seeking part-time flexibility, CHHJ is frequently described as one of the better options.
Best suited for: Students, part-time workers, and people who value team culture over maximum earnings. Browse open positions at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at jobs-in.us
3. Moving Team Six Moving and Storage
Moving Team Six takes a boutique approach, positioning itself around precision and a premium service experience. Companies with this identity tend to attract workers who take pride in the craft of moving. The workforce tends to be smaller and more cohesive than at large national chains, which workers at similar companies consistently cite as a major factor in job satisfaction.
Best suited for: Experienced movers who take the craft seriously and prefer a tight-knit team environment.
4. Bridges Bros Movers
Bridges Bros has built its reputation through community presence and consistent service. Workers at regionally focused companies like this often describe closer relationships with owners and management, more transparent pay communication, and a stronger sense of being valued as individuals. The trade-off is typically fewer locations and less geographic mobility.
Best suited for: People who prefer working for a company that feels like a team rather than a corporation.
5. Affordable Movers
Budget-focused moving companies often run leaner operations — smaller crews and higher physical demands per worker. That said, volume is typically high, and work is rarely scarce during peak season. Workers considering this employer should ask detailed questions about crew sizes, scheduling, and pay structure before accepting an offer.
Best suited for: Physically capable workers comfortable with high-volume environments.
Ready to apply? Find Affordable Movers jobs near you.
6. Caring Transitions
Caring Transitions occupies a genuinely unique niche: helping older adults downsize, relocate to assisted living, and manage estate sales. The work involves not just physical moving but emotional support during significant life transitions. The pace is typically slower and more deliberate than standard residential moving, and the emphasis is on careful handling of potentially fragile, emotionally significant items.
Best suited for: Workers who want purpose-driven work and strong interpersonal connections over high-volume, high-tip environments.
7. People First Staffing
Using a staffing agency gives job seekers the ability to try out multiple companies before committing to one employer. Agency workers are placed at client companies on a temporary or temp-to-hire basis — a useful entry point for someone new to the moving industry. Benefits tend to be limited, but the variety of experiences is a genuine advantage.
Best suited for: New entrants to the industry who want to explore options before committing. Check available roles at People First Staffing.
What Real Workers Wish They’d Known Before Starting
- Learn proper lifting technique immediately — not eventually. Multiple long-term movers describe poor technique as the single biggest career-shortener in the industry.
- Tips are never guaranteed, so don’t build a budget around them. Plan financially around your base pay and treat tips as a bonus.
- Ask specific questions about pay before accepting any offer. What hours are paid? Is travel time compensated? When exactly does the clock start?
- The coworkers make or break the day. A good crew makes even difficult jobs manageable. This comes up in hundreds of reviews across every company.
- Seasonal patterns are real. Spring and summer are busy; winter can get slow. Having a financial cushion for slower months makes a big difference.
How to Stand Out as a Mover Applicant
- Show up exactly when you say you will — reliability is worth more than almost any skill in this industry
- Demonstrate physical readiness — you don’t need to be an athlete, but arriving already fit shows seriousness
- Emphasize customer service experience — movers who handle client interactions professionally earn better tips and better assignments
- Ask intelligent questions about pay practices, crew composition, and training — it shows you’ve thought about the job beyond just a paycheck.
Finding the Right Moving Job
The moving industry offers a real opportunity for people who approach it with the right expectations. The physical demands are significant, the pay varies widely, and the experience depends heavily on which company you join and which specific location you work for. But for people who value active work, weekly income, and team-based environments, a career in moving can be deeply satisfying.
A wide range of mover and logistics jobs — including positions at all the companies reviewed in this article — are listed at jobs-in.us/logistics/mover. The platform covers opportunities from regional carriers to national franchises, making it easy to compare options and find the right fit for your situation.
Do your research, ask the right questions, and choose a company whose practices match what matters to you. The right moving job might be closer than you think.
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