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Loader/unloader vs stacker

The differences between loader/unloaders and stackers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loader/unloader has an average salary of $31,827, which is higher than the $29,046 average annual salary of a stacker.

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

Loader/unloader vs stacker overview

Loader/UnloaderStacker
Yearly salary$31,827$29,046
Hourly rate$15.30$13.96
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs67,06327,528
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 61%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a loader/unloader do?

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.

What does a stacker do?

A stacker operates machines to fit lumber stacks. These machines include conveyer chains, mechanical hands, and rollers. They may also be required to burn off feather edges with a gas torch.

Loader/unloader vs stacker salary

Loader/unloaders and stackers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loader/UnloaderStacker
Average salary$31,827$29,046
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $38,000Between $22,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CityTacoma, WAWoodburn, OR
Highest paying stateMinnesotaOregon
Best paying companyBungeCognizant
Best paying industryTransportationManufacturing

Differences between loader/unloader and stacker education

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

Loader/UnloaderStacker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Loader/unloader vs stacker demographics

Here are the differences between loader/unloaders' and stackers' demographics:

Loader/UnloaderStacker
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 89.7% Female, 10.3%Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 5.8% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between loader/unloader and stacker 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.
  • Show more

Stacker example responsibilities.

  • Prep shipping boxes and pallets according to customer specifications.
  • Stack trays on dollies for cleaning.
  • Monitor personal being around hazardous materials (lead) with PPE.
  • Stack loaves of bread onto racks on separate dollies for loading on delivery trucks.
  • Move materials as required or direct using hand equipment, power fork trucks or hoists.
  • Operate bundling machine to provide the bindery department neat stack mat er ials to be bound.
  • Show more

Loader/unloader vs stacker skills

Common loader/unloader skills
  • Inventory Control, 27%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
  • Pallets, 13%
  • Tractor Trailer, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Delivery Truck, 3%
Common stacker skills
  • Pallets, 37%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 28%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%
  • Stack Boxes, 5%
  • Stackers, 4%
  • Assembly Line, 3%

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