Forklift truck operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between forklift truck 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 truck operator and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a forklift truck operator has an average salary of $34,558, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

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

Forklift truck operator vs pallet jack operator overview

	Forklift Truck Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$34,558	$34,098
Hourly rate	$16.61	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	92,925	136,563
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Forklift truck operator vs pallet jack operator salary

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$34,558	$34,098
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Allentown, PA	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Nestlé	Cargill
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between forklift truck operator and pallet jack operator education

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift truck operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
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, 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 truck operator and pallet jack 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.

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 truck operator vs pallet jack 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 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 Truck Operator
Forklift Truck Operator vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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