Forklift operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between forklift operators and pallet jack 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 pallet jack operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

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

Forklift operator vs pallet jack operator overview

	Forklift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$34,213	$34,098
Hourly rate	$16.45	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	213,020	136,563
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Forklift operator vs pallet jack operator salary

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

	Forklift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$34,213	$34,098
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $42,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	DeWitt LLP Law Firm	Cargill
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between forklift operator and pallet jack operator education

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

	Forklift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 59%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between forklift operators' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

	Forklift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
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, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between forklift operator and pallet jack 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.

Pallet jack operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.

Forklift operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common forklift operator skills

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

Common pallet jack operator skills

Pallets, 33%
Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
Safety Regulations, 6%
RF Scanner, 6%
Basic Math, 6%
Warehouse Environment, 3%

Forklift Operator vs. similar jobs

Forklift Operator related careers

Forklift Operator related jobs

Forklift Operator jobs by location

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Forklift Operator
Forklift Operator vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs