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The differences between reach truck 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 reach truck operator and a machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a reach truck operator has an average salary of $34,625, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a reach truck operator include pallets, rf scanner and basic math. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Reach Truck Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,625 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $16.65 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 137,300 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 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.
Reach truck operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Reach Truck Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,625 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $42,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | United Natural Foods | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a reach truck operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Reach Truck Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 57% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between reach truck operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Reach Truck Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 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% |