Float operator vs machine operator/forklift operator

The differences between float operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a float operator, becoming a machine operator/forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a float operator has an average salary of $37,782, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.

The top three skills for a float operator include general maintenance, pallets and ATM. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.

Float operator vs machine operator/forklift operator overview

	Float Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$37,782	$32,452
Hourly rate	$18.16	$15.60
Growth rate	-7%	7%
Number of jobs	44,574	120,073
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 61%
Average age	47	43
Years of experience	12	4

Float operator vs machine operator/forklift operator salary

Float operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Float Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average salary	$37,782	$32,452
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	-	Renton, WA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	TreeHouse Foods
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between float operator and machine operator/forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a float operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:

	Float Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 33%	High School Diploma, 61%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	-

Float operator vs machine operator/forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between float operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:

	Float Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average age	47	43
Gender ratio	Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3%	Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 1.8% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.3%	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	5%	4%

Differences between float operator and machine operator/forklift operator duties and responsibilities

Float operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Operate various machines (drill presses, CNC machines, saws, etc .).
Stack in prepare pallets for shipping
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Cover CSR'S & CSA'S while there out of the office.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Machine operator/forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
Operate power shovels, scrapers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozer, dump truck, forklift.
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating and breaking rock and concrete and making winter roads.

Float operator vs machine operator/forklift operator skills

Common float operator skills

General Maintenance, 40%
Pallets, 21%
ATM, 11%
Safety Issues, 10%
Quality Checks, 6%
Quality Inspection, 4%

Common machine operator/forklift operator skills

Safety Standards, 17%
Drive Forklift, 9%
Load Trucks, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
CNC, 6%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Float Operator
Float Operator vs Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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