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The differences between forklifts 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 forklift and a lift operator. Additionally, a lift operator has an average salary of $32,309, 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 lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.
| Forklift | Lift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,015 | $32,309 |
| Hourly rate | $15.39 | $15.53 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 113,257 | 72,445 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| 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.
A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Forklifts and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift | Lift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,015 | $32,309 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Steel Dynamics | BD |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a forklift and a lift operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift | Lift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklifts' and lift operators' demographics:
| Forklift | Lift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |