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Loader/driver vs material handler/forklift operator

The differences between loader/drivers and material handler/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 material handler/forklift operator. Additionally, a loader/driver has an average salary of $39,446, which is higher than the $36,453 average annual salary of a material handler/forklift operator.

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

Loader/driver vs material handler/forklift operator overview

Loader/DriverMaterial Handler/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary$39,446$36,453
Hourly rate$18.96$17.53
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs137,815168,379
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 48%High School Diploma, 59%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Loader/driver vs material handler/forklift operator salary

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

Loader/DriverMaterial Handler/Forklift Operator
Average salary$39,446$36,453
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $59,000Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYLakeville, MN
Highest paying stateNew YorkNorth Dakota
Best paying companyBulkmatic TransportNestlé
Best paying industryUtilitiesAutomotive

Differences between loader/driver and material handler/forklift operator education

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

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

Loader/driver vs material handler/forklift operator demographics

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

Loader/DriverMaterial Handler/Forklift Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 92.4% Female, 7.6%Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between loader/driver and material handler/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

Material handler/forklift operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Train in all aspects of warehousing, shipping, receiving using WMS.
  • Receive parts from the manufacturers and scan parts into the inventory using warehouse management system (WMS).
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Determine require pallet count to meet the statistical receiving requirements.
  • Operate tools (hand truck, fork lift, dollies, hand jack), distribute materials to their designate departments.
  • Show more

Loader/driver vs material handler/forklift operator skills

Common loader/driver skills
  • CDL, 28%
  • Safety Equipment, 11%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • DOT, 9%
  • OSHA, 5%
  • Safety Policies, 4%
Common material handler/forklift operator skills
  • Pallets, 19%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
  • Forklift Operation, 7%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Assembly Line, 4%

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