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The differences between forklift operators and mill 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 mill operator. Additionally, a mill operator has an average salary of $39,045, 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 mill operator are CNC, OSHA, and math.
| Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $39,045 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $18.77 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 64,574 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| 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.
Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.
Forklift operators and mill operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $39,045 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $31,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | Freeport-McMoRan |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a mill operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Mill 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 mill operators' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% |
| 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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |