Forklift truck operator vs truck driver

The differences between forklift truck operators and truck drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a forklift truck operator, becoming a truck driver takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a truck driver has an average salary of $60,326, 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 truck driver are CDL, OTR, and DOT.

Forklift truck operator vs truck driver overview

	Forklift Truck Operator	Truck Driver
Yearly salary	$34,558	$60,326
Hourly rate	$16.61	$29.00
Growth rate	7%	4%
Number of jobs	92,925	827,858
Job satisfaction	-	4
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	43	48
Years of experience	4	2

Forklift truck operator vs truck driver salary

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Truck Driver
Average salary	$34,558	$60,326
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $40,000 And $90,000
Highest paying City	Allentown, PA	Wilmington, DE
Highest paying state	Alaska	Delaware
Best paying company	Nestlé	W. R. Grace & Co
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Retail

Differences between forklift truck operator and truck driver education

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Truck Driver
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forklift truck operator vs truck driver demographics

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

	Forklift Truck Operator	Truck Driver
Average age	43	48
Gender ratio	Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1%	Male, 91.6% Female, 8.4%
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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 3.4% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between forklift truck operator and truck driver 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.

Truck driver example responsibilities.

Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
Flatb loads including steel and specialty metals, pipe, refractory brick, commercial building materials, lumber and equipment.
Follow all HAZMAT regulations while transporting hazardous materials.
Utilize appropriate PPE at all times.
Dedicate run from Tennessee to California with LTL.
Used proper PPE and safety equipment when need.

Forklift truck operator vs truck driver skills

Common forklift truck operator skills

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

Common truck driver skills

CDL, 47%
OTR, 12%
DOT, 10%
PET, 6%
Hazmat, 4%
Customer Service, 4%

Forklift Truck Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Forklift Truck Operator
Forklift Truck Operator vs Truck Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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