Post job

Baler operator vs machine operator/forklift operator

The differences between baler operators and machine operator/forklift 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 machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a baler operator has an average salary of $32,608, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.

The top three skills for a baler operator include perform routine maintenance, routine maintenance and rail cars. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.

Baler operator vs machine operator/forklift operator overview

Baler OperatorMachine Operator/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary$32,608$32,452
Hourly rate$15.68$15.60
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs53,639120,073
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 61%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Baler operator vs machine operator/forklift operator salary

Baler operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Baler OperatorMachine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average salary$32,608$32,452
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $39,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityAurora, CORenton, WA
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaAlaska
Best paying companySchnitzer SteelTreeHouse Foods
Best paying industryTransportationAutomotive

Differences between baler operator and machine operator/forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a baler operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:

Baler OperatorMachine Operator/Forklift Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 58%High School Diploma, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Baler operator vs machine operator/forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between baler operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:

Baler OperatorMachine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 92.4% Female, 7.6%Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between baler operator and machine operator/forklift 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.

Machine operator/forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
  • Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
  • Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
  • Operate power shovels, scrapers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozer, dump truck, forklift.
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating and breaking rock and concrete and making winter roads.
  • Show more

Baler operator vs machine operator/forklift operator skills

Common baler operator skills
  • Perform Routine Maintenance, 26%
  • Routine Maintenance, 17%
  • Rail Cars, 14%
  • Baling, 10%
  • Pallets, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
Common machine operator/forklift operator skills
  • Safety Standards, 17%
  • Drive Forklift, 9%
  • Load Trucks, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%
  • CNC, 6%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

Browse transportation jobs