Mule operator vs production forklift operator

The differences between mule operators and production 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 mule operator and a production forklift operator. Additionally, a production forklift operator has an average salary of $34,322, which is higher than the $33,910 average annual salary of a mule operator.

Mule operator vs production forklift operator overview

	Mule Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$33,910	$34,322
Hourly rate	$16.30	$16.50
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,264	160,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Mule operator vs production forklift operator salary

Mule operators and production forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mule Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average salary	$33,910	$34,322
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $41,000	Between $26,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	-	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Darigold
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between mule operator and production forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a mule operator and a production forklift operator in terms of educational background:

	Mule Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Computer Technical Support	Business
Most common college	-	-

Mule operator vs production forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between mule operators' and production forklift operators' demographics:

	Mule Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 20.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.8% White, 49.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 15.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between mule operator and production forklift operator duties and responsibilities

Mule operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Landscape and maintain residential HOA communities.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Move inventory in support of logistics management.

Production forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Move and stock products using a stand up and sit down forklift.
Operate various forklifts from old Clark lifts to any new stand up and sit down lifts.
Load tractor trailer trucks with forklift and keep the production line stock with pallets of assort chicken parts to be package.
Execute production activities as directed by supervisor, including performing GMP cell culture of biologic products using closed-system device.
Deliver finished product to production area and stack items on pallet for pickup

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Mule Operator
Mule Operator vs Production Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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