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Loader operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between loader operators and pallet jack 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 pallet jack operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

The top three skills for a loader operator include front end loader, asphalt and customer service. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Loader operator vs pallet jack operator overview

Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary$36,987$34,098
Hourly rate$17.78$16.39
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs61,980136,563
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Loader operator vs pallet jack operator salary

Loader operators and pallet jack operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average salary$36,987$34,098
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $46,000Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityBismarck, NDDenver, CO
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyDairy Farmers of AmericaCargill
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between loader operator and pallet jack operator education

There are a few differences between a loader operator and a pallet jack operator in terms of educational background:

Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Loader operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between loader operators' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.1% Female, 5.9%Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between loader operator and pallet jack 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.
  • Show more

Pallet jack operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
  • Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.
  • Show more

Loader operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common loader operator skills
  • Front End Loader, 11%
  • Asphalt, 9%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Loaders, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
Common pallet jack operator skills
  • Pallets, 33%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Warehouse Environment, 3%

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