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The differences between lift operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lift operator has an average salary of $32,309, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a lift operator include pallets, fork-lift and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Lift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,309 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $15.53 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 72,445 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Lift operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,309 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | BD | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lift operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Lift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between lift operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Lift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |