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The differences between material handler/forklift operators and lift 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 material handler/forklift operator and a lift operator. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift 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 lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,453 | $32,309 |
| Hourly rate | $17.53 | $15.53 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 168,379 | 72,445 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 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 lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Material handler/forklift operators and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,453 | $32,309 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lakeville, MN | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a material handler/forklift operator and a lift operator in terms of educational background:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between material handler/forklift operators' and lift operators' demographics:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| 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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |