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The differences between loader/unloaders and material handler/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, 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 material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Loader/Unloader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,827 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $15.30 | $17.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 67,063 | 168,379 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
Loader/unloaders and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Loader/Unloader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,827 | $36,453 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tacoma, WA | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Bunge | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a loader/unloader and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Loader/Unloader | Material Handler/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 material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Loader/Unloader | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |