Lift operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between lift operators 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 lift operator and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a pallet jack operator has an average salary of $34,098, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a lift operator include pallets, fork-lift and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Lift operator vs pallet jack operator overview

	Lift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$32,309	$34,098
Hourly rate	$15.53	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	72,445	136,563
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Lift operator vs pallet jack operator salary

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

	Lift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$32,309	$34,098
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $39,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Fremont, CA	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	BD	Cargill
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between lift operator and pallet jack operator education

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

	Lift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Lift operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

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

	Lift Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
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, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between lift operator and pallet jack operator duties and responsibilities

Lift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Use AS400 to take yarn out of inventory.
Load and unload ship cargo using wenches or other hoisting devices.
Check forklift for problems such as fluid levels, tires and forks.
Load and unload trucks with as sit down with slip sheet and double forks attachment practicing a safe environment.
Record inventory and reroute misplaced pallets at rack locations to the correct location

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.

Lift operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common lift operator skills

Pallets, 17%
Fork-Lift, 14%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Safety Rules, 9%
Power Saws, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

Common pallet jack operator skills

Pallets, 33%
Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
Safety Regulations, 6%
RF Scanner, 6%
Basic Math, 6%
Warehouse Environment, 3%

Lift Operator vs. similar jobs

Lift Operator related careers

Lift Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Lift Operator
Lift Operator vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs