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Distributor operator vs lift truck operator

The differences between distributor operators and lift truck 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 truck operator. Additionally, a distributor operator has an average salary of $37,262, which is higher than the $36,973 average annual salary of a lift truck operator.

The top three skills for a distributor operator include asphalt, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a lift truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trailers.

Distributor operator vs lift truck operator overview

Distributor OperatorLift Truck Operator
Yearly salary$37,262$36,973
Hourly rate$17.91$17.78
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs44,648103,337
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

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 truck operator do?

A forklift operator is responsible for lifting and transporting heavy equipment and industrial trucks. They are responsible for loading and unloading products and delivering them from factories or storage facilities to another place like warehouses. This person operates a forklift to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product, cargo, and machine equipment. Also, they need to identify damages, deficiencies, and shortages. An operator reports how the day-to-day operation goes, and their goal is to ensure that the shipment will go to the right place.

Distributor operator vs lift truck operator salary

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

Distributor OperatorLift Truck Operator
Average salary$37,262$36,973
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $44,000Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityWinchester, VASpringfield, OR
Highest paying stateColoradoAlaska
Best paying companyBlackRockNestlé
Best paying industryUtilitiesFinance

Differences between distributor operator and lift truck operator education

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

Distributor OperatorLift Truck Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distributor operator vs lift truck operator demographics

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

Distributor OperatorLift Truck Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 81.1% Female, 18.9%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between distributor operator and lift truck 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.
  • Show more

Lift truck operator example responsibilities.

  • Certify on stand up/sit down forks, clamps, slip sheets and cherry picker
  • Used WMS system to adjust inventory, either in, out, or amounts.
  • Perform trailer inspections, loading and unloading inventory, RFT scanner experience, WMS.
  • Relocate pallets from receiving dock to desire location within warehouse.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
  • Load and unload items from machines and dollies.

Distributor operator vs lift truck operator skills

Common distributor operator skills
  • Asphalt, 17%
  • CDL, 16%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Pallets, 5%
Common lift truck operator skills
  • Pallets, 18%
  • Safety Procedures, 11%
  • Load Trailers, 6%
  • AS400, 5%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
  • Forks, 4%

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