Clamp operator vs loader operator

The differences between clamp 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 clamp operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $32,832 average annual salary of a clamp operator.

The top three skills for a clamp operator include pallets, OSHA and clamp truck. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Clamp operator vs loader operator overview

	Clamp Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$32,832	$36,987
Hourly rate	$15.78	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	91,015	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Clamp operator vs loader operator salary

Clamp operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clamp Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$32,832	$36,987
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	Colorado	Alaska
Best paying company	American Woodmark	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Construction

Differences between clamp operator and loader operator education

There are a few differences between a clamp operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:

	Clamp Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Clamp operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between clamp operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	Clamp Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 18.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 52.4% 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%

Differences between clamp operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Clamp operator example responsibilities.

Utilize and familiar with the WMS computer system.
Operate machines and equipment and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.
Load and unload delivery vehicles and assemble items onto pallets, warehouse trucks, racks, and shelves.
Transport pallets containing various products throughout the storage facility and ensure products are stacked in the correct bay.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Loader operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.

Clamp operator vs loader operator skills

Common clamp operator skills

Pallets, 24%
OSHA, 8%
Clamp Truck, 7%
Assembly Line, 7%
Safety Guidelines, 6%
RF Scanner, 5%

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Clamp Operator
Clamp Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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