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The differences between loader/unloaders and forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, 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 forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Loader/Unloader | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,827 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $15.30 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,063 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity. A loader also needs to coordinate with staff at all times, and report to managers or supervisors should there be any issues or inconsistencies.
Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.
Loader/unloaders and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader/Unloader | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,827 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tacoma, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Bunge | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader/unloader and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader/Unloader | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between loader/unloaders' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Loader/Unloader | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |