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Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift operator

The differences between dock worker/forklift 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 dock worker/forklift operator and a lift operator. Additionally, a dock worker/forklift operator has an average salary of $42,876, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a dock worker/forklift operator include basic math, math and load trailers. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift operator overview

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Operator
Yearly salary$42,876$32,309
Hourly rate$20.61$15.53
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs110,53672,445
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift operator salary

Dock worker/forklift operators and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Operator
Average salary$42,876$32,309
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $47,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityDenver, COFremont, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiAlaska
Best paying companyCareer Company in Silicon ValleyBD
Best paying industryTransportationAutomotive

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and lift operator education

There are a few differences between a dock worker/forklift operator and a lift operator in terms of educational background:

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 53%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift operator demographics

Here are the differences between dock worker/forklift operators' and lift operators' demographics:

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 2.6% White, 56.7% 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 Percentage4%4%

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and lift operator duties and responsibilities

Dock worker/forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Move LTL freight from one trailer to other trailers.
  • Load and unload LTL and full truckload freight operating a forklift.
  • Load various HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT material/freight onto company trucks, utilizing forklift/pallet jack.
  • Scan and repair damaged pallets to make the necessary preparations need for a timely delivery.
  • Loaded/Unload freight, sort and distribute to its proper destinations utilizing forklift, clamp trucks, dollies or manually.
  • Unload and load truck trailers by using a variety of work tools such as dollies, forklifts, and pallet jack.
  • Show more

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
  • Show more

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift operator skills

Common dock worker/forklift operator skills
  • Basic Math, 43%
  • Math, 11%
  • Load Trailers, 9%
  • Pallets, 6%
  • Work Ethic, 5%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 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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