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Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift truck operator

The differences between dock worker/forklift 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 dock worker/forklift operator and a lift truck operator. Additionally, a dock worker/forklift operator has an average salary of $42,876, which is higher than the $36,973 average annual salary of a lift truck 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 truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trailers.

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift truck operator overview

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Truck Operator
Yearly salary$42,876$36,973
Hourly rate$20.61$17.78
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs110,536103,337
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 53%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift truck operator salary

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

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Truck Operator
Average salary$42,876$36,973
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $47,000Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityDenver, COSpringfield, OR
Highest paying stateHawaiiAlaska
Best paying companyCareer Company in Silicon ValleyNestlé
Best paying industryTransportationFinance

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and lift truck operator education

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

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

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift truck operator demographics

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

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLift Truck Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
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, 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 dock worker/forklift operator and lift truck 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 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.

Dock worker/forklift operator vs lift truck 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 truck operator skills
  • Pallets, 18%
  • Safety Procedures, 11%
  • Load Trailers, 6%
  • AS400, 5%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
  • Forks, 4%

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