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The differences between pallet jack operators and machine operator/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 pallet jack operator and a machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a pallet jack operator has an average salary of $34,098, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a pallet jack operator include pallets, electric pallet jack and safety regulations. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Pallet Jack Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,098 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $16.39 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 136,563 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Pallet jack operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pallet Jack Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,098 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Denver, CO | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Cargill | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a pallet jack operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Pallet Jack Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 63% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pallet jack operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Pallet Jack Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 4% | 4% |