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The differences between terminal 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 terminal operator and a machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift operator.
The top three skills for a terminal operator include loaders, cranes and rail cars. The most important skills for a machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Terminal Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $39,948 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $19.21 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 43,328 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 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.
Terminal operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Terminal Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $39,948 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $48,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fargo, ND | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Land O'Lakes | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Construction | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a terminal operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Terminal Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 34% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between terminal operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Terminal Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 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% |