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Distributor operator vs terminal operator

The differences between distributor operators and terminal 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 terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $37,262 average annual salary of a distributor operator.

The top three skills for a distributor operator include asphalt, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Distributor operator vs terminal operator overview

Distributor OperatorTerminal Operator
Yearly salary$37,262$39,948
Hourly rate$17.91$19.21
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs44,64843,328
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 34%
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 terminal operator do?

A terminal operator is responsible for assisting daily operations within the transportation or manufacturing agencies. Terminal operators inspect the stability and efficiency of equipment and machinery to ensure its optimal performance during operational processes. They conduct quality control tests to determine inconsistencies in terminal functions and strategize techniques to enhance distribution policies. A terminal operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to maintain terminal equipment and assist the team in performing duties to achieve business goals and objectives.

Distributor operator vs terminal operator salary

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

Distributor OperatorTerminal Operator
Average salary$37,262$39,948
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $44,000Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityWinchester, VAFargo, ND
Highest paying stateColoradoHawaii
Best paying companyBlackRockLand O'Lakes
Best paying industryUtilitiesConstruction

Differences between distributor operator and terminal operator education

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

Distributor OperatorTerminal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distributor operator vs terminal operator demographics

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

Distributor OperatorTerminal Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 81.1% Female, 18.9%Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between distributor operator and terminal 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.
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Terminal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
  • Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
  • Pull LTL loads for shipment.
  • Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
  • Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
  • Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).
  • Show more

Distributor operator vs terminal operator skills

Common distributor operator skills
  • Asphalt, 17%
  • CDL, 16%
  • DOT, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Pallets, 5%
Common terminal operator skills
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Cranes, 9%
  • Rail Cars, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • TWIC, 5%
  • General Maintenance, 5%

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