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The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and pack machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pack machine operator has an average salary of $35,157, 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 pack machine operator are basic math, defective products, and team-oriented environment.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Pack Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,452 | $35,157 |
| Hourly rate | $15.60 | $16.90 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 120,073 | 68,876 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| 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 pack machine operator is an employee who is responsible for operating and maintaining packaging machines to prepare industrial and consumer products for storage or shipment. Pack machine operators observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products are up to standards. They monitor the production line to avoid problems such as pile-ups or jams while removing defective products and packaging material. Pack machine operators must also conduct maintenance of the packaging machines on a weekly to monthly basis.
Machine operator/forklift operators and pack machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Pack Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,452 | $35,157 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $28,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Renton, WA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | TreeHouse Foods | Reser's Fine Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a pack machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Pack Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and pack machine operators' demographics:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Pack Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 53.6% Female, 46.4% |
| 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, 12.2% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 7.4% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 5% |