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The differences between operators trainee and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an operator trainee has an average salary of $36,978, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for an operator trainee include customer service, hand tools and CDL. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,978 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $17.78 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 73,657 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
The duties of an operator trainee depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around gaining insights by performing support tasks such as producing progress reports and documentation, maintaining records, coordinating with other members of the workforce, and operating machines while under the supervision of a manager or senior operator. Furthermore, as an operator trainee, it is essential to uphold the company's policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
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.
Operators trainee and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,978 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Middletown, CT | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | IBM | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an operator trainee and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 58% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between operators trainee' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Operator Trainee | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.5% Female, 22.5% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 9.3% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% | 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 | 5% | 4% |