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The differences between forklift operators 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 operator and a machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a forklift operator include pallets, basic math and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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 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.
Forklift operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklift operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | 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, 16.5% 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, 16.6% 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% |