Baler operator vs reach truck operator

The differences between baler operators and reach 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 reach truck operator. Additionally, a reach truck operator has an average salary of $34,625, 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 reach truck operator are pallets, rf scanner, and basic math.

Baler operator vs reach truck operator overview

	Baler Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$34,625
Hourly rate	$15.68	$16.65
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,639	137,300
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Baler operator vs reach truck operator salary

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

	Baler Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$34,625
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $28,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	United Natural Foods
Best paying industry	Transportation	Manufacturing

Differences between baler operator and reach truck operator education

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

	Baler Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baler operator vs reach truck operator demographics

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

	Baler Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1%
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, 16.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between baler operator and reach 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.

Reach truck operator example responsibilities.

Receive product in using WMS (warehouse management system )
Put away and picking of parts using RF scanner.
Train other employees to operate CNC beam line python.
Reach truck operator/picking order from WMS system and put away.
License to use a man-up, forklift, and scissor lift.
Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards ..

Baler operator vs reach 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 reach truck operator skills

Pallets, 19%
RF Scanner, 7%
Basic Math, 7%
SIT, 5%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
Warehouse Environment, 4%

Baler Operator vs. similar jobs

Baler Operator related careers

Baler Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Reach Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs