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Lead loader vs pallet jack operator

The differences between lead loaders and pallet jack 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 loader and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a lead loader has an average salary of $36,858, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

The top three skills for a lead loader include load trucks, safety standards and pallets. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Lead loader vs pallet jack operator overview

Lead LoaderPallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary$36,858$34,098
Hourly rate$17.72$16.39
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs4,333136,563
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Lead loader vs pallet jack operator salary

Lead loaders and pallet jack operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead LoaderPallet Jack Operator
Average salary$36,858$34,098
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $58,000Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Denver, CO
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Cargill
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between lead loader and pallet jack operator education

There are a few differences between a lead loader and a pallet jack operator in terms of educational background:

Lead LoaderPallet Jack Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Lead loader vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between lead loaders' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

Lead LoaderPallet Jack Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between lead loader and pallet jack operator duties and responsibilities

Lead loader example responsibilities.

  • Manage Mexico border, customs paperwork, and drayage for Lear, drayage/door to door movements for Nissan.
  • Move product locations using RF unit.
  • Help direct other loaders during operation, ensuring accurate and efficient completion of tasks.
  • Distribute work to loaders daily and keep records of production numbers for each loader.
  • General warehouse duties and responsible for cleaning the work area and equipment regularly by removing empty pallets, wood and plastic.
  • Operate various machines throughout warehouse following OSHA and company safety protocols.
  • Show more

Pallet jack operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
  • Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.
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Lead loader vs pallet jack operator skills

Common lead loader skills
  • Load Trucks, 18%
  • Safety Standards, 16%
  • Pallets, 11%
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Unload Trailers, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 6%
Common pallet jack operator skills
  • Pallets, 33%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Warehouse Environment, 3%

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