Clamp operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between clamp operators and pallet jack 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 pallet jack operator. Additionally, a pallet jack operator has an average salary of $34,098, 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 pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Clamp operator vs pallet jack operator overview

	Clamp Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$32,832	$34,098
Hourly rate	$15.78	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	91,015	136,563
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Clamp operator vs pallet jack operator salary

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

	Clamp Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$32,832	$34,098
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	Colorado	Alaska
Best paying company	American Woodmark	Cargill
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between clamp operator and pallet jack operator education

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

	Clamp Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Clamp operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between clamp operators' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

	Clamp Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
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, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between clamp operator and pallet jack 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.

Pallet jack operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.

Clamp operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common clamp operator skills

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

Common pallet jack operator skills

Pallets, 33%
Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
Safety Regulations, 6%
RF Scanner, 6%
Basic Math, 6%
Warehouse Environment, 3%

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Transportation Industry
Clamp Operator
Clamp Operator vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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