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Loader/driver vs forklift operator

The differences between loader/drivers and forklift 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 loader/driver and a forklift operator. Additionally, a loader/driver has an average salary of $39,446, which is higher than the $34,213 average annual salary of a forklift operator.

The top three skills for a loader/driver include CDL, safety equipment and post-trip inspections. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.

Loader/driver vs forklift operator overview

Loader/DriverForklift Operator
Yearly salary$39,446$34,213
Hourly rate$18.96$16.45
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs137,815213,020
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 59%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Loader/driver vs forklift operator salary

Loader/drivers and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loader/DriverForklift Operator
Average salary$39,446$34,213
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $59,000Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYMinneapolis, MN
Highest paying stateNew YorkNorth Dakota
Best paying companyBulkmatic TransportDeWitt LLP Law Firm
Best paying industryUtilitiesAutomotive

Differences between loader/driver and forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a loader/driver and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:

Loader/DriverForklift Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 59%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Loader/driver vs forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between loader/drivers' and forklift operators' demographics:

Loader/DriverForklift Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 92.4% Female, 7.6%Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between loader/driver and forklift operator duties and responsibilities

Loader/driver example responsibilities.

  • DOT certify to drive trucks.
  • Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and empty contents.
  • Deliver and run all parts of the DFW Metroplex, and love the work
  • Maintain a neat and clean work area, follow OSHA standards for safe material handling.
  • Deliver auto supplies Unload/loading supplies upon delivery used GPS
  • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
  • Show more

Forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Position forks under, over, or around load pallets, boxes, products, and transports load to designate area.
  • Transport raw materials to storage or point of production base on FIFO.
  • Remove press parts from line and place into WIP locations by FIFO.
  • Perform safety checks on machines; and troubleshoot problems during machine operation.
  • Start working as an order selector picking orders and wrapping for shipment.
  • Show more

Loader/driver vs forklift operator skills

Common loader/driver skills
  • CDL, 28%
  • Safety Equipment, 11%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • DOT, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Safety Policies, 4%
Common forklift operator skills
  • Pallets, 18%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Load Trucks, 4%

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