Baler operator vs lift truck operator

The differences between baler operators and lift truck 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 truck operator. Additionally, a lift truck operator has an average salary of $36,973, which is higher than the $32,608 average annual salary of a baler 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 truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trailers.

Baler operator vs lift truck operator overview

	Baler Operator	Lift Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$36,973
Hourly rate	$15.68	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,639	103,337
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 truck operator salary

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

	Baler Operator	Lift Truck Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$36,973
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Springfield, OR
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	Nestlé
Best paying industry	Transportation	Finance

Differences between baler operator and lift truck operator education

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

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

Baler operator vs lift truck operator demographics

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

	Baler Operator	Lift Truck Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between baler operator and lift truck 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 truck operator example responsibilities.

Certify on stand up/sit down forks, clamps, slip sheets and cherry picker
Used WMS system to adjust inventory, either in, out, or amounts.
Perform trailer inspections, loading and unloading inventory, RFT scanner experience, WMS.
Relocate pallets from receiving dock to desire location within warehouse.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
Load and unload items from machines and dollies.

Baler operator vs lift truck 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 truck operator skills

Pallets, 18%
Safety Procedures, 11%
Load Trailers, 6%
AS400, 5%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
Forks, 4%

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Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Lift Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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