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The differences between lift operators and reach truck 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 reach truck operator. Additionally, a reach truck operator has an average salary of $34,625, 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 reach truck operator are pallets, rf scanner, and basic math.
| Lift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,309 | $34,625 |
| Hourly rate | $15.53 | $16.65 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 72,445 | 137,300 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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.
Ramp supervisors oversee safety procedures, ramp equipment, and company policies. They will be tasked with oversight of airport ramp operations, directing the loading and unloading of aircraft cargo and baggage, assurance of proper ramp functions, and compliance with the airport and the government's regulations. Ramp supervisors will also train and manage other staff members.
Lift operators and reach truck operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,309 | $34,625 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $28,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Philadelphia, PA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BD | United Natural Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a lift operator and a reach truck operator in terms of educational background:
| Lift Operator | Reach Truck 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 reach truck operators' demographics:
| Lift Operator | Reach Truck Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% |
| 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, 16.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |