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The differences between machine operator/forklift operators and welder-machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a machine operator/forklift operator, becoming a welder-machine operator takes usually requires 3-6 months. Additionally, a welder-machine operator has an average salary of $37,171, 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 welder-machine operator are arc welding, safety equipment, and stainless steel.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,452 | $37,171 |
| Hourly rate | $15.60 | $17.87 |
| Growth rate | 7% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 120,073 | 68,316 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
Machine operator/forklift operators and welder-machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,452 | $37,171 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Renton, WA | Fontana, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Nevada |
| Best paying company | TreeHouse Foods | BWX Technologies |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a machine operator/forklift operator and a welder-machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 61% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between machine operator/forklift operators' and welder-machine operators' demographics:
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | Welder-Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% | Male, 84.6% Female, 15.4% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 3% |