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The differences between loaders and forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $32,820 average annual salary of a loader.
The top three skills for a loader include customer service, pallets and loaders. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Loader | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,820 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $15.78 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 40,008 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
The responsibilities of a loader will vary in an industry or organization. In a warehouse or retail setting, a loader is responsible for loading and unloading packages, ensuring the accuracy of all goods and invoices. Most of the tasks will involve physical work, and there are also instances when one needs to operate machines such as a forklift. Moreover, a loader must also keep records and monitor the inventory at all times and coordinate with supervisors, all in adherence to the company's policies and safety regulations.
Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.
Loaders and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,820 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Kemps | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between loaders' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Loader | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 41 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 4.4% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% | 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 Percentage | 3% | 4% |