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The differences between furnace operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a furnace operator has an average salary of $35,972, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a furnace operator include math, basic math and cranes. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,972 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.29 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 58,975 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A furnace operator records time and production data, adjusts thermostats, and observes a pyrometer to maintain the temperature between specified limits. The operators set furnace control to regulate the temperature and heating time. They measure the temperature of the products to determine the necessity for adjusting furnace temperature using thermal instruments and charts. Their duties include the removal of materials from the furnace using signals overhead crane operator and transfer it to the next station and open furnace doors. This process will allow them to admit slabs, sheet, plate, and coil to lower ingots and uncover soaking pits into them.
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Furnace operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,972 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $44,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Rochester, NY | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BWX Technologies | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a furnace operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 55% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between furnace operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Furnace Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.6% Female, 7.4% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.6% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 4% |