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The differences between lift 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 lift operator and a terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, 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 terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.
| Lift Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,309 | $39,948 |
| Hourly rate | $15.53 | $19.21 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 72,445 | 43,328 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| 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.
A terminal operator is responsible for assisting daily operations within the transportation or manufacturing agencies. Terminal operators inspect the stability and efficiency of equipment and machinery to ensure its optimal performance during operational processes. They conduct quality control tests to determine inconsistencies in terminal functions and strategize techniques to enhance distribution policies. A terminal operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to maintain terminal equipment and assist the team in performing duties to achieve business goals and objectives.
Lift operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lift Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,309 | $39,948 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $32,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fremont, CA | Fargo, ND |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | BD | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a lift operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:
| Lift Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between lift operators' and terminal operators' demographics:
| Lift Operator | Terminal Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% |
| 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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |