Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between package handlers and material handler/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a material handler/forklift operator has an average salary of $36,453, which is higher than the $32,785 average annual salary of a package handler.
The top three skills for a package handler include warehouse environment, load trailers and delivery truck. The most important skills for a material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Package Handler | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,785 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $15.76 | $17.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 93,831 | 168,379 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.
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.
Package handlers and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,785 | $36,453 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $41,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Saint Paul, MN | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest paying state | Minnesota | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | ALDI USA | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a package handler and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers' and material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Package Handler | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |