High lift operator vs loader operator

The differences between high lift 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 high lift operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $34,481 average annual salary of a high lift operator.

The top three skills for a high lift operator include pallets, OSHA and load trucks. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.

High lift operator vs loader operator overview

	High Lift Operator	Loader Operator
Yearly salary	$34,481	$36,987
Hourly rate	$16.58	$17.78
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	44,928	61,980
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

High lift operator vs loader operator salary

High lift operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	High Lift Operator	Loader Operator
Average salary	$34,481	$36,987
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $40,000	Between $29,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	Cleveland, OH	Bismarck, ND
Highest paying state	North Dakota	Alaska
Best paying company	United Natural Foods	Dairy Farmers of America
Best paying industry	Construction	Construction

Differences between high lift operator and loader operator education

There are a few differences between a high lift operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:

	High Lift Operator	Loader Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

High lift operator vs loader operator demographics

Here are the differences between high lift operators' and loader operators' demographics:

	High Lift Operator	Loader Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 2.3% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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 high lift operator and loader operator duties and responsibilities

High lift operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control and making sure wrapped fill pallets are accurately account and labele before exiting the building.
Maintain proper housekeeping and guidelines set forth by OSHA and management.
Operate fork-lift to transport finish product to shipping warehouse for distribution.
Maintain safe and clean work environment by keeping shelves, pallet area, and workstations.
Experience with setting up LTL, FTL, and FedEx/UPS shipments via phone or computer.

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.

High lift operator vs loader operator skills

Common high lift operator skills

Pallets, 26%
OSHA, 16%
Load Trucks, 15%
Pallet Jack, 15%
Safety Standards, 6%
Store Merchandise, 4%

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
High Lift Operator
High Lift Operator vs Loader Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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