Forklift truck operator vs loader operator

The differences between forklift truck operators and loader 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 truck operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $34,558 average annual salary of a forklift truck operator.

The top three skills for a forklift truck operator include pallets, pallet jack and safety rules. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

Forklift truck operator vs loader operator overview

	Forklift Truck Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$34,558	$36,987
Hourly rate	$16.61	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	92,925	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Forklift truck operator vs loader operator salary

Forklift truck operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Forklift Truck Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$34,558	$36,987
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Allentown, PA	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Nestlé	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Construction

Differences between forklift truck operator and loader operator education

There are a few differences between a forklift truck operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:

	Forklift Truck Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift truck operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between forklift truck operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	Forklift Truck Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 2.9% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between forklift truck operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

Forklift truck operator example responsibilities.

Transfer goods to and from different departments, organize and arrange empty pallets, and maintain baler and central vacuuming system.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as is required by organization and OSHA.
Load and unload items from machines and dollies.

Loader operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.

Forklift truck operator vs loader operator skills

Common forklift truck operator skills

Pallets, 20%
Pallet Jack, 8%
Safety Rules, 7%
Clamp Truck, 7%
Production Lines, 6%
Load Trucks, 6%

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Forklift Truck Operator
Forklift Truck Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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