Clamp operator vs production forklift operator

The differences between clamp operators and production 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 production forklift operator. Additionally, a production forklift operator has an average salary of $34,322, 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 production forklift operator are pallets, line production, and safety rules.

Clamp operator vs production forklift operator overview

	Clamp Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$32,832	$34,322
Hourly rate	$15.78	$16.50
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	91,015	160,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Clamp operator vs production forklift operator salary

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

	Clamp Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average salary	$32,832	$34,322
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, CO	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	Colorado	Alaska
Best paying company	American Woodmark	Darigold
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between clamp operator and production forklift operator education

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

	Clamp Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Clamp operator vs production forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between clamp operators' and production forklift operators' demographics:

	Clamp Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%
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, 15.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between clamp operator and production 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.

Production forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Move and stock products using a stand up and sit down forklift.
Operate various forklifts from old Clark lifts to any new stand up and sit down lifts.
Load tractor trailer trucks with forklift and keep the production line stock with pallets of assort chicken parts to be package.
Execute production activities as directed by supervisor, including performing GMP cell culture of biologic products using closed-system device.
Deliver finished product to production area and stack items on pallet for pickup

Clamp operator vs production forklift operator skills

Common clamp operator skills

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

Common production forklift operator skills

Pallets, 24%
Line Production, 12%
Safety Rules, 12%
Pallet Jack, 8%
RF Scanner, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Clamp Operator
Clamp Operator vs Production Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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