Distributor operator vs lift operator

The differences between distributor operators and lift 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 lift operator. Additionally, a distributor operator has an average salary of $37,262, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a distributor operator include asphalt, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.

Distributor operator vs lift operator overview

	Distributor Operator	Lift Operator
Yearly salary	$37,262	$32,309
Hourly rate	$17.91	$15.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	44,648	72,445
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 53%
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 lift operator do?

A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.

Distributor operator vs lift operator salary

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

	Distributor Operator	Lift Operator
Average salary	$37,262	$32,309
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $44,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Winchester, VA	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	Colorado	Alaska
Best paying company	BlackRock	BD
Best paying industry	Utilities	Automotive

Differences between distributor operator and lift operator education

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

	Distributor Operator	Lift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Distributor operator vs lift operator demographics

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

	Distributor Operator	Lift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between distributor operator and lift 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.

Lift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Use AS400 to take yarn out of inventory.
Load and unload ship cargo using wenches or other hoisting devices.
Check forklift for problems such as fluid levels, tires and forks.
Load and unload trucks with as sit down with slip sheet and double forks attachment practicing a safe environment.
Record inventory and reroute misplaced pallets at rack locations to the correct location

Distributor operator vs lift operator skills

Common distributor operator skills

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

Common lift operator skills

Pallets, 17%
Fork-Lift, 14%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Safety Rules, 9%
Power Saws, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Distributor Operator
Distributor Operator vs Lift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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