Loader operator vs fork truck operator

The differences between loader operators and fork truck 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 operator and a fork truck operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $32,272 average annual salary of a fork truck operator.

The top three skills for a loader operator include front end loader, asphalt and customer service. The most important skills for a fork truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trucks.

Loader operator vs fork truck operator overview

	Loader Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$36,987	$32,272
Hourly rate	$17.78	$15.52
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	61,980	117,624
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Loader operator vs fork truck operator salary

Loader operators and fork truck operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Loader Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Average salary	$36,987	$32,272
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $46,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Bismarck, ND	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Dairy Farmers of America	Seneca Foods
Best paying industry	Construction	Finance

Differences between loader operator and fork truck operator education

There are a few differences between a loader operator and a fork truck operator in terms of educational background:

	Loader Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 57%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Loader operator vs fork truck operator demographics

Here are the differences between loader operators' and fork truck operators' demographics:

	Loader Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9%	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 1.9% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between loader operator and fork truck operator duties and responsibilities

Loader operator example responsibilities.

Inventory control; FIFO procedures, HAZMAT certify.
Excavate midstream on load lines for repair backfill and finish
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
Excavate and prepare trenches for plumbing and utilities to residential homes.
Operate excavator doing residential demolition and dig footings for new structures.
Utilize appropriate level of PPE for the chemical being handle or transfer.

Fork truck operator example responsibilities.

Create and cataloge files for GMP library.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Loader operator vs fork truck operator skills

Common loader operator skills

Front End Loader, 11%
Asphalt, 9%
Customer Service, 8%
Loaders, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 4%

Common fork truck operator skills

Pallets, 19%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Load Trucks, 7%
Load Trailers, 6%
Pallet Jack, 6%
Assembly Line, 5%

Loader Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Loader Operator
Loader Operator vs Fork Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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