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Dock worker/forklift operator vs loader operator

The differences between dock worker/forklift operators and loader 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 loader operator. Additionally, a dock worker/forklift operator has an average salary of $42,876, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.

The top three skills for a dock worker/forklift operator include basic math, math and load trailers. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Dock worker/forklift operator vs loader operator overview

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLoader Operator
Yearly salary$42,876$36,987
Hourly rate$20.61$17.78
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs110,53661,980
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 57%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Dock worker/forklift operator vs loader operator salary

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

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLoader Operator
Average salary$42,876$36,987
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $47,000Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityDenver, COBismarck, ND
Highest paying stateHawaiiAlaska
Best paying companyCareer Company in Silicon ValleyDairy Farmers of America
Best paying industryTransportationConstruction

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and loader operator education

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

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLoader Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 56%High School Diploma, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Dock worker/forklift operator vs loader operator demographics

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

Dock Worker/Forklift OperatorLoader Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
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, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between dock worker/forklift operator and loader 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

Loader operator example responsibilities.

  • Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
  • Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
  • Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
  • Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
  • Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
  • Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.
  • Show more

Dock worker/forklift operator vs loader 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 loader operator skills
  • Front End Loader, 11%
  • Asphalt, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Loaders, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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