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The differences between reach truck operators and loader 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 reach truck operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a loader operator has an average salary of $36,987, which is higher than the $34,625 average annual salary of a reach truck operator.
The top three skills for a reach truck operator include pallets, rf scanner and basic math. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Reach Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,625 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $16.65 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 137,300 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Ramp supervisors oversee safety procedures, ramp equipment, and company policies. They will be tasked with oversight of airport ramp operations, directing the loading and unloading of aircraft cargo and baggage, assurance of proper ramp functions, and compliance with the airport and the government's regulations. Ramp supervisors will also train and manage other staff members.
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.
Reach truck operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Reach Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,625 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $42,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | United Natural Foods | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Construction |
There are a few differences between a reach truck operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Reach Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between reach truck operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Reach Truck Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 16.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |