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The differences between pack out operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pack out operator has an average salary of $33,217, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a pack out operator include pallets, safety procedures and quality standards. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,217 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $15.97 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 73,108 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A pack out operator is a manufacturing or packaging operation employee responsible for the final packaging of goods prior to shipping. Pack out operators come in at the last stage of the manufacturing process to ensure readiness. You will primarily work with machines and ensure that the right packaging standards and procedures are adhered to. The pack out operator oversees package labeling, branding, weighing, inspection and verification, and palletizing.
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.
Pack out operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,217 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milwaukee, WI | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Wisconsin | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Dairy Farmers of America | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a pack out operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 50% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pack out operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Pack Out Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.5% Female, 43.5% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 57.9% 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% |