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The differences between molder operators and machine operator/forklift 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 $31,707 average annual salary of a molder operator.
The top three skills for a molder operator include GMP, quality checks and dexterity. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Molder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,707 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $15.24 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 66,217 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
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.
Molder operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,707 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milford, CT | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BD | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a molder operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Molder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between molder operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Molder Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 3% | 4% |