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The differences between loader/unloaders and loader operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, 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 loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Loader/Unloader | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,827 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $15.30 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,063 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| 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.
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.
Loader/unloaders and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader/Unloader | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,827 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tacoma, WA | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Bunge | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Construction |
There are a few differences between a loader/unloader and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader/Unloader | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between loader/unloaders' and loader operators' demographics:
| Loader/Unloader | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| 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, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |