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The differences between distributor operators and machine operator/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 machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a distributor operator has an average salary of $37,262, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a distributor operator include asphalt, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Distributor Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,262 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.91 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 44,648 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Distributor operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Distributor Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,262 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Winchester, VA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Colorado | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BlackRock | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a distributor operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Distributor Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 30% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between distributor operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Distributor Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.1% Female, 18.9% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |