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Skidder operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between skidder operators and pallet jack 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 skidder operator and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a skidder operator has an average salary of $39,342, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

The top three skills for a skidder operator include transport logs, general maintenance and air filters. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Skidder operator vs pallet jack operator overview

Skidder OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary$39,342$34,098
Hourly rate$18.91$16.39
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs42,263136,563
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Skidder operator vs pallet jack operator salary

Skidder operators and pallet jack operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Skidder OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average salary$39,342$34,098
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $49,000Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Denver, CO
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Cargill
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between skidder operator and pallet jack operator education

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

Skidder OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 57%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyBusiness
Most common college--

Skidder operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

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

Skidder OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 95.0% Female, 5.0%Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 2.1% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between skidder operator and pallet jack operator duties and responsibilities

Skidder operator example responsibilities.

  • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
  • Operate a skidder, pulling logs to the landing after setting chokers on them
  • Perform inventory accuracy transactions into MARC, load trailers, organize pallets into the warehouse and receive packaging materials.
  • Hook and pull logs from wood areas to loading yard area and knuckle boom.
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

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

Skidder operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common skidder operator skills
  • Transport Logs, 30%
  • General Maintenance, 14%
  • Air Filters, 10%
  • Equipment Maintenance, 9%
  • Booms, 9%
  • CDL, 8%
Common pallet jack operator skills
  • Pallets, 33%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Warehouse Environment, 3%

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