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The differences between forklift operators and line operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a line operator has an average salary of $34,520, 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 line operator are preventative maintenance, PPE, and basic math.
| Forklift Operator | Line Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $34,520 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $16.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 137,127 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| 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.
A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations. A line operator must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, as well as the ability to multi-task, especially on meeting deadlines and processing customers' orders.
Forklift operators and line operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $34,520 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $27,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a line operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Line Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklift operators' and line operators' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | Line Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 67.6% Female, 32.4% |
| 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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.0% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |