Baler operator vs lift operator

The differences between baler operators and lift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a baler operator and a lift operator. Additionally, a baler operator has an average salary of $32,608, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a baler operator include perform routine maintenance, routine maintenance and rail cars. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.

Baler operator vs lift operator overview

	Baler Operator	Lift Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$32,309
Hourly rate	$15.68	$15.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,639	72,445
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Baler operator vs lift operator salary

Baler operators and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Baler Operator	Lift Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$32,309
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	BD
Best paying industry	Transportation	Automotive

Differences between baler operator and lift operator education

There are a few differences between a baler operator and a lift operator in terms of educational background:

	Baler Operator	Lift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baler operator vs lift operator demographics

Here are the differences between baler operators' and lift operators' demographics:

	Baler Operator	Lift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 58.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between baler operator and lift operator duties and responsibilities

Baler operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Operate forklift to load and unload pallets, run baler to compact the recycled cardboard and stack the bales.
Hand stack pallets, customize based on needs and requirements of customer.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

Lift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Use AS400 to take yarn out of inventory.
Load and unload ship cargo using wenches or other hoisting devices.
Check forklift for problems such as fluid levels, tires and forks.
Load and unload trucks with as sit down with slip sheet and double forks attachment practicing a safe environment.
Record inventory and reroute misplaced pallets at rack locations to the correct location

Baler operator vs lift operator skills

Common baler operator skills

Perform Routine Maintenance, 26%
Routine Maintenance, 17%
Rail Cars, 14%
Baling, 10%
Pallets, 8%
Hand Tools, 6%

Common lift operator skills

Pallets, 17%
Fork-Lift, 14%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Safety Rules, 9%
Power Saws, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Lift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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