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The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and saw 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 $32,319 average annual salary of a saw 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 saw operator are tape measure, hand tools, and basic math.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Yearly Salary | $32,452 | $32,319 |
| Hourly rate | $15.60 | $15.54 |
| Growth Rate | 7% | 3% |
| Number Of Jobs | 120,073 | 58,465 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | - |
| Most Common Degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 56% |
| Average Age | 43 | 45 |
| 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.
Saw operators are responsible for setting up and operating power saws to slot, cut, and trim metallic and non-metallic materials. They are the ones who choose and install blades on machinery using hand-tools and verify dimensions of finished material using measuring devices. They may perform additional tasks such as loading saws and monitoring sawing operations, and replacing damaged or worn saw blades. Saw operators are also responsible for recording data on production reports and assisting staff with the maintenance and repair of saw equipment.
Machine operator/forklift operators and saw operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Average Salary | $32,452 | $32,319 |
| Salary Range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Renton, WA | Springfield, OR |
| Highest Paying State | Alaska | Oregon |
| Best Paying Company | TreeHouse Foods | Micro Metals Inc. |
| Best Paying Industry | Automotive | Construction |
There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a saw operator in terms of educational background:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Most Common Degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 56% |
| Most Common Major | Business | Business |
| Most Common College | - | - |
Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and saw operators' demographics:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Saw Operator | |
| Average Age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 90.2% Female, 9.8% |
| 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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 1.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 6% |