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Lead forklift operator vs terminal operator

The differences between lead forklift operators and terminal 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 lead forklift operator and a terminal operator. Additionally, a lead forklift operator has an average salary of $42,633, which is higher than the $39,948 average annual salary of a terminal operator.

The top three skills for a lead forklift operator include pallets, safety committee and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Lead forklift operator vs terminal operator overview

Lead Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Yearly salary$42,633$39,948
Hourly rate$20.50$19.21
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs51,18643,328
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Lead forklift operator vs terminal operator salary

Lead forklift operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Average salary$42,633$39,948
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $50,000Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City-Fargo, ND
Highest paying state-Hawaii
Best paying company-Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry-Construction

Differences between lead forklift operator and terminal operator education

There are a few differences between a lead forklift operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:

Lead Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead forklift operator vs terminal operator demographics

Here are the differences between lead forklift operators' and terminal operators' demographics:

Lead Forklift OperatorTerminal Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 90.9% Female, 9.1%Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between lead forklift operator and terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Lead forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Used WMS and bar code scanning systems to insure order and inventory accuracy for shipping, receiving and warehousing.
  • Locate and relocate and pallets throughout warehouse facility.
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Schedule LTL'S for pick ups of loads for shipping.
  • Load and unload LTL and TLD trailers in the most optimal way without damaging the freight.
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Terminal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
  • Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
  • Pull LTL loads for shipment.
  • Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
  • Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
  • Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).
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Lead forklift operator vs terminal operator skills

Common lead forklift operator skills
  • Pallets, 16%
  • Safety Committee, 9%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 6%
  • Forklift Operators, 5%
  • Inventory Control, 5%
  • RF Scanner, 4%
Common terminal operator skills
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Cranes, 9%
  • Rail Cars, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • TWIC, 5%
  • General Maintenance, 5%

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