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The differences between loader operators and machine operator/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 operator and a machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a loader operator include front end loader, asphalt and customer service. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Loader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,987 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.78 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 61,980 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Loader operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,987 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $46,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Bismarck, ND | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between loader operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Loader Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |