Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between package handlers ups 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 $32,276 average annual salary of a package handler ups.
The top three skills for a package handler ups include tractor trailer, safety procedures and delivery truck. The most important skills for a material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.
| Package Handler UPS | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $32,276 | $36,453 |
| Hourly rate | $15.52 | $17.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 80,442 | 168,379 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
The primary job of package handlers is to assemble, seal, and load packages. They are responsible for tracking package information using scanners and sorting parcels according to destination. Other duties and responsibilities may include complying with the company standards for safe package handling, unloading delivery trucks, and following the established guidelines for postal routing. This position requires an eye for detail, ability to follow instructions, and knowledge of equipment and hand-tools such as conveyor belts and forklifts. A few requirements are needed for this role, including a high school diploma, driver's license, and ability to lift heavy items.
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 ups and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Package Handler UPS | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $32,276 | $36,453 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $40,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Lakeville, MN |
| Highest paying state | - | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | - | Nestlé |
| Best paying industry | - | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a package handler ups and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Package Handler UPS | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 59% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between package handlers ups' and material handler/forklift operators' demographics:
| Package Handler UPS | Material Handler/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 40 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.0% Female, 22.0% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 6.0% White, 56.6% 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% |