Forklift operator vs cherry picker operator

The differences between forklift operators and cherry picker 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 operator and a cherry picker operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $33,956 average annual salary of a cherry picker operator.

The top three skills for a forklift operator include pallets, basic math and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a cherry picker operator are cherry-picker, pallets, and rf scanner.

Forklift operator vs cherry picker operator overview

	Forklift Operator	Cherry Picker Operator
Yearly salary	$34,213	$33,956
Hourly rate	$16.45	$16.32
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	213,020	105,023
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 62%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

What does a forklift operator do?

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.

What does a cherry picker operator do?

Cherry pickers perform a safe and efficient operation of motorized lift vehicles in pulling customer order-based products. The cherry pickers manage different warehouse operating systems and associates to support processing and internal order logistics. They perform preventive maintenance on pallet packs, machines, cherry pickers, and forklifts. It is part of their job to count, verify, and check documents for completeness and accuracy. The skills to develop for this job include warehouse environment, clamp, and pallet jack operations.

Forklift operator vs cherry picker operator salary

Forklift operators and cherry picker operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forklift Operator	Cherry Picker Operator
Average salary	$34,213	$33,956
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $42,000	Between $27,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Eagan, MN
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Hawaii
Best paying company	DeWitt LLP Law Firm	United Natural Foods
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between forklift operator and cherry picker operator education

There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a cherry picker operator in terms of educational background:

	Forklift Operator	Cherry Picker Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift operator vs cherry picker operator demographics

Here are the differences between forklift operators' and cherry picker operators' demographics:

	Forklift Operator	Cherry Picker Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 76.5% Female, 23.5%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.6% Asian, 2.4% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between forklift operator and cherry picker operator duties and responsibilities

Forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Position forks under, over, or around load pallets, boxes, products, and transports load to designate area.
Transport raw materials to storage or point of production base on FIFO.
Remove press parts from line and place into WIP locations by FIFO.
Perform safety checks on machines; and troubleshoot problems during machine operation.
Start working as an order selector picking orders and wrapping for shipment.

Cherry picker operator example responsibilities.

Order selector, replenish, loader
Pick parts using scan handgunHelp QC pack parts into box
Order selector fork lift operator shipping and receiving whole sale foods
Collect and deliver pallets of inventory to other stations.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
Pick inventory on floor level using a walkie.

Forklift operator vs cherry picker operator skills

Common forklift operator skills

Pallets, 18%
Basic Math, 6%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Load Trucks, 4%

Common cherry picker operator skills

Cherry-Picker, 36%
Pallets, 11%
RF Scanner, 10%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
Cherry Pickers, 6%
Work Ethic, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Forklift Operator
Forklift Operator vs Cherry Picker Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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