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The differences between forklifts and forklift 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 forklift and a forklift operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $32,015 average annual salary of a forklift.
The top three skills for a forklift include pallets, sit-down forklift and basic math. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Forklift | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,015 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $15.39 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 113,257 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The primary job of a forklift operator is to operate and manage forklifts used for moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting merchandise in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses. As a forklift operator, you will unload shipments properly and safely, and stack and store them in their designated areas. In addition, you will need to report any quality variances and assist in physical inventories. Other duties that you may perform include ensuring that stock rotation is done properly, inspecting and performing preventative maintenance of forklift and other equipment, and ensuring that inventory security and control are maintained.
Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.
Forklifts and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,015 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Steel Dynamics | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a forklift and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklifts' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Forklift | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |