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The differences between press operators and machine operator/forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a press operator, becoming a machine operator/forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a press operator has an average salary of $34,568, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a press operator include quality standards, press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Press Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,568 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $16.62 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 55,215 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines. Press operators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry and the ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
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.
Press operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,568 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Westfield, MA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Alaska |
| Best paying company | ProAmpac | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a press operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Press Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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 | 3% | 4% |