Forklift-picker vs pallet jack operator

The differences between forklift-pickers 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-picker and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a pallet jack operator has an average salary of $34,098, which is higher than the $32,704 average annual salary of a forklift-picker.

The top three skills for a forklift-picker include pallets, pallet jack and rf scanner. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Forklift-picker vs pallet jack operator overview

	Forklift-Picker	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$32,704	$34,098
Hourly rate	$15.72	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	44,786	136,563
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 65%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Forklift-picker vs pallet jack operator salary

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

	Forklift-Picker	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$32,704	$34,098
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $40,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Sioux Falls, SD	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	Tyson Foods	Cargill
Best paying industry	Technology	Manufacturing

Differences between forklift-picker and pallet jack operator education

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

	Forklift-Picker	Pallet Jack Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 65%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift-picker vs pallet jack operator demographics

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

	Forklift-Picker	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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-picker and pallet jack operator duties and responsibilities

Forklift-picker example responsibilities.

Operate forklift to organize and wrap complete pallets, also operate other machinery that handle completed pallets to load company trucks.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
Shrink wrap pallet and then set pallet by the correct load door to be check for accuracy.
Certify cherry picker operator / pull orders and putaway

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-picker vs pallet jack operator skills

Common forklift-picker skills

Pallets, 22%
Pallet Jack, 17%
RF Scanner, 10%
Load Trucks, 8%
Shipping Receiving, 7%
Reach Truck, 6%

Common pallet jack operator skills

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

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Transportation Industry
Forklift-Picker
Forklift-Picker vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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