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The differences between assembling machine operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an assembling machine operator, becoming a machine operator/forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, which is higher than the $31,275 average annual salary of an assembling machine operator.
The top three skills for an assembling machine operator include assembly line, safety procedures and CNC. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,275 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $15.04 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 87,253 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Assembling machine operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assembling Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,275 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Rapids, MI | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Press-Seal Gasket Corporation | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an assembling machine operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between assembling machine operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Assembling Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 2.0% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 4% |