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The differences between forklift operators and material handler/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 material handler/forklift operator. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, 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 material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Forklift Operator | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $17.53 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 168,379 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| 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 material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
Forklift operators and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $36,453 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklift operators' and material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | Material Handler/Forklift 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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |