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The differences between cherry picker operators and loader 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 cherry picker operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $33,956 average annual salary of a cherry picker operator.
The top three skills for a cherry picker operator include cherry-picker, pallets and rf scanner. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Cherry Picker Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,956 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $16.32 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 105,023 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 62% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Cherry pickers perform a safe and efficient operation of motorized lift vehicles in pulling customer order-based products. The cherry pickers manage different warehouse operating systems and associates to support processing and internal order logistics. They perform preventive maintenance on pallet packs, machines, cherry pickers, and forklifts. It is part of their job to count, verify, and check documents for completeness and accuracy. The skills to develop for this job include warehouse environment, clamp, and pallet jack operations.
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
Cherry picker operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cherry Picker Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,956 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $41,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Eagan, MN | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | United Natural Foods | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a cherry picker operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Cherry Picker Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 62% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cherry picker operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Cherry Picker Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 2.4% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |