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The differences between loaders and material handler/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, 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 material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Loader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly Salary | $32,820 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $15.78 | $17.53 |
| Growth Rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number Of Jobs | 40,008 | 168,379 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
Loaders and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average Salary | $32,820 | $36,453 |
| Salary Range | Between $27,000 And $39,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Seattle, WA | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest Paying State | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best Paying Company | Kemps | Nestlé |
| Best Paying Industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader | Material Handler/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 material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Loader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average Age | 41 | 43 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 87.6% Female, 12.4% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 4% |