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The differences between front end loader operators and forklift 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 front end loader operator and a forklift operator. Additionally, a front end loader operator has an average salary of $34,530, which is higher than the $34,213 average annual salary of a forklift operator.
The top three skills for a front end loader operator include front end loader, loaders and asphalt. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Front End Loader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,530 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $16.60 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 84,188 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A front-end loader operator is a heavy equipment operator who works in demolitions or road construction sites. To become a front end loader operator, one of the techniques that you must have along with many others, is to be able to operate heavy equipment. This indicates that you must be an experienced heavy equipment driver. You will control rubber-tired, tractor-type industrial vehicles that lift and move heavy materials from one location to another.
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.
Front end loader operators and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Front End Loader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,530 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $44,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Clifton Park, NY | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Ball | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a front end loader operator and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Front End Loader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between front end loader operators' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Front End Loader Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.1% Female, 7.9% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |