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The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and mill operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a machine operator/forklift operator and a mill operator. Additionally, a mill operator has an average salary of $39,045, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift 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 mill operator are CNC, OSHA, and math.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,452 | $39,045 |
| Hourly rate | $15.60 | $18.77 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 120,073 | 64,574 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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.
Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.
Machine operator/forklift operators and mill operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,452 | $39,045 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $31,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | Renton, WA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | TreeHouse Foods | Freeport-McMoRan |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a mill operator in terms of educational background:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 49% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and mill operators' demographics:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Mill Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 92.5% Female, 7.5% |
| 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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.4% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |