Table operator vs forklift operator

The differences between table operators and 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 table operator, becoming a forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $31,481 average annual salary of a table operator.

The top three skills for a table operator include cnc plasma, overhead cranes and tape measure. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.

Table operator vs forklift operator overview

	Table Operator	Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$34,213
Hourly rate	$15.14	$16.45
Growth rate	-5%	7%
Number of jobs	54,149	213,020
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 59%
Average age	46	43
Years of experience	2	4

Table operator vs forklift operator salary

Table operators and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Table Operator	Forklift Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$34,213
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Alaska	North Dakota
Best paying company	SPX	DeWitt LLP Law Firm
Best paying industry	Construction	Automotive

Differences between table operator and forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a table operator and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:

	Table Operator	Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 59%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between table operators' and forklift operators' demographics:

	Table Operator	Forklift Operator
Average age	46	43
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
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, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	4%

Differences between table operator and forklift operator duties and responsibilities

Table operator example responsibilities.

Measure thickness of material with calipers and micrometers while sanding to keep material within allowable tolerances.
Inspect raw stock for defects, keeping record of all non-conforming pieces in accordance with ISO certification standards.
Clean, Deburr, and inspect make by the laser to insure good quality of the parts.
Job responsibilities include operating shear and saws to produce correct blank parts within ISO tolerances for future manufacturing duties and departments.
Utilize both FCAW and GMAW to weld steel products.
Fit up and weld automobile lifts using GMAW process.

Forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Position forks under, over, or around load pallets, boxes, products, and transports load to designate area.
Transport raw materials to storage or point of production base on FIFO.
Remove press parts from line and place into WIP locations by FIFO.
Perform safety checks on machines; and troubleshoot problems during machine operation.
Start working as an order selector picking orders and wrapping for shipment.

Table operator vs forklift operator skills

Common table operator skills

CNC Plasma, 13%
Overhead Cranes, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Steel Plates, 8%
Quality Checks, 6%
Press Brake, 6%

Common forklift operator skills

Pallets, 18%
Basic Math, 6%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
OSHA, 5%
Safety Procedures, 5%
Load Trucks, 4%