Loader/driver vs lift operator

The differences between loader/drivers and lift 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 lift operator. Additionally, a loader/driver has an average salary of $39,446, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

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

Loader/driver vs lift operator overview

	Loader/Driver	Lift Operator
Yearly salary	$39,446	$32,309
Hourly rate	$18.96	$15.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	137,815	72,445
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Loader/driver vs lift operator salary

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

	Loader/Driver	Lift Operator
Average salary	$39,446	$32,309
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $59,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	Bulkmatic Transport	BD
Best paying industry	Utilities	Automotive

Differences between loader/driver and lift operator education

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

	Loader/Driver	Lift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Loader/driver vs lift operator demographics

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

	Loader/Driver	Lift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 92.4% Female, 7.6%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
Race ratio	Black 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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between loader/driver and lift 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

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

Loader/driver vs lift operator skills

Common loader/driver skills

CDL, 28%
Safety Equipment, 11%
Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
DOT, 9%
OSHA, 5%
Safety Policies, 4%

Common lift operator skills

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