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The differences between forklift operators and drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a driver has an average salary of $34,771, which is higher than the $34,213 average annual salary of a forklift operator.
The top three skills for a forklift operator include pallets, basic math and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a driver are math, basic math, and CDL.
| Forklift Operator | Driver | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $34,771 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $16.72 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 1,017,998 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 43 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
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.
Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal. They should be expert navigators and may use navigation apps to help them along the way. They should also be familiar with the basic mechanics of the vehicle they are using and the proper maintenance and cleaning needed to ensure that the car is running well. Drivers are expected to have excellent customer relation skills, a strong sense of direction, and superb organizations.
Forklift operators and drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Driver | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $34,771 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $22,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Vermont |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | Air Liquide |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a driver in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Driver | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklift operators' and drivers' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | Driver | |
| Average age | 43 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 83.0% Female, 17.0% |
| 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, 12.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 3.5% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |