Cat operator vs terminal operator

The differences between cat 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 cat operator and a terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $35,910 average annual salary of a cat operator.

The top three skills for a cat operator include CDL, DIG and . The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Cat operator vs terminal operator overview

	Cat Operator	Terminal Operator
Yearly salary	$35,910	$39,948
Hourly rate	$17.26	$19.21
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,866	43,328
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Cat operator vs terminal operator salary

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

	Cat Operator	Terminal Operator
Average salary	$35,910	$39,948
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $46,000	Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between cat operator and terminal operator education

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

	Cat Operator	Terminal Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cat operator vs terminal operator demographics

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

	Cat Operator	Terminal Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 93.8% Female, 6.2%	Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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 cat operator and terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Cat operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Dig out around certains areas that hold too much snow and spread it out accordingly.
Provide leadership by establishing clear expectations and demonstrating high standards of work practices and safety conscious behavior.
Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
Operate finish grade bulldozer with Topcon and/or Trimble G.P.S.
Provide troubleshooting, conflict management, and expedient resolution of technical and/or floor issues with solutions-orient leadership.

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).

Cat operator vs terminal operator skills

Common cat operator skills

CDL, 62%
DIG, 38%

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
Cat Operator
Cat Operator vs Terminal Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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