Loader/unloader vs fork truck operator

The differences between loader/unloaders and fork truck operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fork truck operator has an average salary of $32,272, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for a loader/unloader include inventory control, electric pallet jack and pallets. The most important skills for a fork truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trucks.

Loader/unloader vs fork truck operator overview

	Loader/Unloader	Fork Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$31,827	$32,272
Hourly rate	$15.30	$15.52
Growth rate	6%	7%
Number of jobs	67,063	117,624
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	40	43
Years of experience	-	4

Loader/unloader vs fork truck operator salary

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

	Loader/Unloader	Fork Truck Operator
Average salary	$31,827	$32,272
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Tacoma, WA	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Alaska
Best paying company	Bunge	Seneca Foods
Best paying industry	Transportation	Finance

Differences between loader/unloader and fork truck operator education

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

	Loader/Unloader	Fork Truck Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 63%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Loader/unloader vs fork truck operator demographics

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

	Loader/Unloader	Fork Truck Operator
Average age	40	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	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	5%	4%

Differences between loader/unloader and fork truck operator duties and responsibilities

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
Provide QA and material damage reports.
Position also require the use of RF equipment.
Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.

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/unloader vs fork truck operator skills

Common loader/unloader skills

Inventory Control, 27%
Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
Pallets, 13%
Tractor Trailer, 10%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Delivery Truck, 3%

Common fork truck operator skills

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

Loader/Unloader vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Loader/Unloader
Loader/Unloader vs Fork Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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