Table operator vs machine operator/forklift operator

The differences between table 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 table operator, becoming a machine operator/forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, 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 machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.

Table operator vs machine operator/forklift operator overview

	Table Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$31,481	$32,452
Hourly rate	$15.14	$15.60
Growth rate	-5%	7%
Number of jobs	54,149	120,073
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 61%
Average age	46	43
Years of experience	2	4

Table operator vs machine operator/forklift operator salary

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average salary	$31,481	$32,452
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $38,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Manchester, CT	Renton, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	SPX	TreeHouse Foods
Best paying industry	Construction	Automotive

Differences between table operator and machine operator/forklift operator education

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 61%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Table operator vs machine operator/forklift operator demographics

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

	Table Operator	Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Average age	46	43
Gender ratio	Male, 85.4% Female, 14.6%	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%

Differences between table operator and machine operator/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.

Machine operator/forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
Operate power shovels, scrapers, backhoes, loaders, bulldozer, dump truck, forklift.
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating and breaking rock and concrete and making winter roads.

Table operator vs machine operator/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 machine operator/forklift operator skills

Safety Standards, 17%
Drive Forklift, 9%
Load Trucks, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
CNC, 6%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Table Operator
Table Operator vs Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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