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The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a machine operator/forklift operator include safety standards, drive forklift and load trucks. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,452 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $15.60 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 120,073 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
Machine operator/forklift operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,452 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Renton, WA | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | TreeHouse Foods | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |