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The differences between material handler/forklift operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.
The top three skills for a material handler/forklift operator include pallets, safety procedures and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,453 | $29,598 |
| Hourly rate | $17.53 | $14.23 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 168,379 | 110,258 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | - |
A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved. However, most of the tasks will require efficiency in operating machinery, communication skills, and great attention to detail. Furthermore, a material handler and forklift operator must monitor products and keep an accurate record of overall activities, transport materials within allotted time and schedule, and maintain communication and coordination with co-workers and supervisors.
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.
Material handler/forklift operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,453 | $29,598 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $23,000 And $36,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lakeville, MN | Redwood City, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Pennsylvania |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | Land O'Lakes |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a material handler/forklift operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between material handler/forklift operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Handle Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% 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% |