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The differences between material handler/forklift operators and machine operator/forklift 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 machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift 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 machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,453 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.53 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 168,379 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 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.
Material handler/forklift operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,453 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lakeville, MN | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Nestlé | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a material handler/forklift operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between material handler/forklift operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Material Handler/Forklift Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |