Forklift operator vs lift operator

The differences between forklift operators 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 operator and a lift operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a forklift operator include pallets, basic math and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.

Forklift operator vs lift operator overview

	Forklift Operator	Lift Operator
Yearly salary	$34,213	$32,309
Hourly rate	$16.45	$15.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	213,020	72,445
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 53%
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 lift operator do?

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.

Forklift operator vs lift operator salary

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

	Forklift Operator	Lift Operator
Average salary	$34,213	$32,309
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $42,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	DeWitt LLP Law Firm	BD
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between forklift operator and lift operator education

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

	Forklift Operator	Lift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift operator vs lift operator demographics

Here are the differences between forklift operators' and lift operators' demographics:

	Forklift Operator	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, 16.5% 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, 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%

Differences between forklift operator and lift 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.

Lift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Use AS400 to take yarn out of inventory.
Load and unload ship cargo using wenches or other hoisting devices.
Check forklift for problems such as fluid levels, tires and forks.
Load and unload trucks with as sit down with slip sheet and double forks attachment practicing a safe environment.
Record inventory and reroute misplaced pallets at rack locations to the correct location

Forklift operator vs lift operator skills

Common forklift operator skills

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

Common lift operator skills

Pallets, 17%
Fork-Lift, 14%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Safety Rules, 9%
Power Saws, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Forklift Operator
Forklift Operator vs Lift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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