Baler operator vs terminal operator

The differences between baler operators and terminal 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 terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, 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 terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Baler operator vs terminal operator overview

	Baler Operator	Terminal Operator
Yearly salary	$32,608	$39,948
Hourly rate	$15.68	$19.21
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	53,639	43,328
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Baler operator vs terminal operator salary

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

	Baler Operator	Terminal Operator
Average salary	$32,608	$39,948
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Hawaii
Best paying company	Schnitzer Steel	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Transportation	Construction

Differences between baler operator and terminal operator education

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

	Baler Operator	Terminal Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Baler operator vs terminal operator demographics

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

	Baler Operator	Terminal Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between baler operator and terminal 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.

Terminal operator example responsibilities.

Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
Pull LTL loads for shipment.
Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).

Baler operator vs terminal operator skills

Common baler operator skills

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

Common terminal operator skills

Loaders, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Rail Cars, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
TWIC, 5%
General Maintenance, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Baler Operator
Baler Operator vs Terminal Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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