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The differences between forklifts and machine operator/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 machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, 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 machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Forklift | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,015 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $15.39 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 113,257 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Forklifts and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,015 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Steel Dynamics | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a forklift and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 58% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklifts' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Forklift | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |