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The differences between forklift operators and reach truck 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 reach truck operator. Additionally, a reach truck operator has an average salary of $34,625, 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 reach truck operator are pallets, rf scanner, and basic math.
| Forklift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,213 | $34,625 |
| Hourly rate | $16.45 | $16.65 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 213,020 | 137,300 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| 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.
Ramp supervisors oversee safety procedures, ramp equipment, and company policies. They will be tasked with oversight of airport ramp operations, directing the loading and unloading of aircraft cargo and baggage, assurance of proper ramp functions, and compliance with the airport and the government's regulations. Ramp supervisors will also train and manage other staff members.
Forklift operators and reach truck operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Forklift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,213 | $34,625 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $28,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | Philadelphia, PA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | DeWitt LLP Law Firm | United Natural Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a forklift operator and a reach truck operator in terms of educational background:
| Forklift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between forklift operators' and reach truck operators' demographics:
| Forklift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% |
| 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, 16.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |