Distributor operator vs forklift operator

The differences between distributor operators and 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 distributor operator and a forklift operator. Additionally, a distributor operator has an average salary of $37,262, which is higher than the $34,213 average annual salary of a forklift operator.

The top three skills for a distributor operator include asphalt, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.

Distributor operator vs forklift operator overview

	Distributor Operator	Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$37,262	$34,213
Hourly rate	$17.91	$16.45
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	44,648	213,020
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 59%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

What does a distributor operator do?

There are skills that distributor operators should have to be effective in the job. Some of the most common skills to be able to accomplish the responsibilities needed for the position include CDL (Commercial Drivers License), DoT (Damage over Time), and of course, past experience of being a distributor operator. For jobs like this, it would be better to search by industry instead of through keyword. This helps you to see a wider range of jobs related to being a distributor operator.

What does a forklift operator do?

Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.

Distributor operator vs forklift operator salary

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

	Distributor Operator	Forklift Operator
Average salary	$37,262	$34,213
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $44,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Winchester, VA	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Colorado	North Dakota
Best paying company	BlackRock	DeWitt LLP Law Firm
Best paying industry	Utilities	Automotive

Differences between distributor operator and forklift operator education

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

	Distributor Operator	Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 59%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Distributor operator vs forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between distributor operators' and forklift operators' demographics:

	Distributor Operator	Forklift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 17.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 2.7% White, 55.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between distributor operator and forklift operator duties and responsibilities

Distributor operator example responsibilities.

Unload chemicals from chemicals trucks while wearing proper PPE.
Work around asphalt pavers shoveling operating various equipment to include roller and road broom.
Experience directing high performing logistics teams to plan, process, and deliver accurate and time-critical complex materials orders.
Participate in after hours on-call rotation for customer service emergency leaks, turn on/ turn off, and SCADA system alarms.
Maintain OSHA forklift certification requiring completing monthly/annual testing.
Coordinate storage and distribution of hazardous waste following HAZMAT procedures.

Forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Position forks under, over, or around load pallets, boxes, products, and transports load to designate area.
Transport raw materials to storage or point of production base on FIFO.
Remove press parts from line and place into WIP locations by FIFO.
Perform safety checks on machines; and troubleshoot problems during machine operation.
Start working as an order selector picking orders and wrapping for shipment.

Distributor operator vs forklift operator skills

Common distributor operator skills

Asphalt, 17%
CDL, 16%
DOT, 8%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Hand Tools, 5%
Pallets, 5%

Common forklift operator skills

Pallets, 18%
Basic Math, 6%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Load Trucks, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Distributor Operator
Distributor Operator vs Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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