Clamp operator vs material handler/forklift operator

The differences between clamp operators and material handler/forklift 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 material handler/forklift operator. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, 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 material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.

Clamp operator vs material handler/forklift operator overview

	Clamp Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$32,832	$36,453
Hourly rate	$15.78	$17.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	91,015	168,379
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 59%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Clamp operator vs material handler/forklift operator salary

Clamp operators and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Clamp Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Average salary	$32,832	$36,453
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Lakeville, MN
Highest paying state	Colorado	North Dakota
Best paying company	American Woodmark	Nestlé
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Automotive

Differences between clamp operator and material handler/forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a clamp operator and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:

	Clamp Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 59%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Clamp operator vs material handler/forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between clamp operators' and material handler/forklift operators' demographics:

	Clamp Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between clamp operator and material handler/forklift 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.

Material handler/forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Train in all aspects of warehousing, shipping, receiving using WMS.
Receive parts from the manufacturers and scan parts into the inventory using warehouse management system (WMS).
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Determine require pallet count to meet the statistical receiving requirements.
Operate tools (hand truck, fork lift, dollies, hand jack), distribute materials to their designate departments.

Clamp operator vs material handler/forklift operator skills

Common clamp operator skills

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

Common material handler/forklift operator skills

Pallets, 19%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Forklift Operation, 7%
RF Scanner, 6%
Assembly Line, 4%

Clamp Operator vs. similar jobs

Clamp Operator related careers

Clamp Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Clamp Operator
Clamp Operator vs Material Handler/Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs