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The differences between terminal 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 terminal operator and a loader operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $36,987 average annual salary of a loader operator.
The top three skills for a terminal operator include loaders, cranes and rail cars. The most important skills for a loader operator are front end loader, asphalt, and customer service.
| Terminal Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,948 | $36,987 |
| Hourly rate | $19.21 | $17.78 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 43,328 | 61,980 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A terminal operator is responsible for assisting daily operations within the transportation or manufacturing agencies. Terminal operators inspect the stability and efficiency of equipment and machinery to ensure its optimal performance during operational processes. They conduct quality control tests to determine inconsistencies in terminal functions and strategize techniques to enhance distribution policies. A terminal operator must have excellent organizational and mechanical skills to maintain terminal equipment and assist the team in performing duties to achieve business goals and objectives.
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.
Terminal operators and loader operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Terminal Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,948 | $36,987 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $48,000 | Between $29,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Bismarck, ND |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | Dairy Farmers of America |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Construction |
There are a few differences between a terminal operator and a loader operator in terms of educational background:
| Terminal Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 57% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between terminal operators' and loader operators' demographics:
| Terminal Operator | Loader Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% 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% |