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Pallet jack operator vs terminal operator

The differences between pallet jack operators and terminal 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 terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

The top three skills for a pallet jack operator include pallets, electric pallet jack and safety regulations. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Pallet jack operator vs terminal operator overview

Pallet Jack OperatorTerminal Operator
Yearly salary$34,098$39,948
Hourly rate$16.39$19.21
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs136,56343,328
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 34%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Pallet jack operator vs terminal operator salary

Pallet jack operators and terminal operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pallet Jack OperatorTerminal Operator
Average salary$34,098$39,948
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $40,000Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying CityDenver, COFargo, ND
Highest paying stateAlaskaHawaii
Best paying companyCargillLand O'Lakes
Best paying industryManufacturingConstruction

Differences between pallet jack operator and terminal operator education

There are a few differences between a pallet jack operator and a terminal operator in terms of educational background:

Pallet Jack OperatorTerminal Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 63%High School Diploma, 34%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Pallet jack operator vs terminal operator demographics

Here are the differences between pallet jack operators' and terminal operators' demographics:

Pallet Jack OperatorTerminal Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 89.5% Female, 10.5%Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between pallet jack operator and terminal operator duties and responsibilities

Pallet jack operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
  • Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.
  • Show more

Terminal operator example responsibilities.

  • Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
  • Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
  • Pull LTL loads for shipment.
  • Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
  • Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
  • Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).
  • Show more

Pallet jack operator vs terminal operator skills

Common pallet jack operator skills
  • Pallets, 33%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Warehouse Environment, 3%
Common terminal operator skills
  • Loaders, 9%
  • Cranes, 9%
  • Rail Cars, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • TWIC, 5%
  • General Maintenance, 5%

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