Torch operator vs fork truck operator

The differences between torch operators and fork truck 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 torch operator and a fork truck operator. Additionally, a torch operator has an average salary of $38,691, which is higher than the $32,272 average annual salary of a fork truck operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a fork truck operator are pallets, safety procedures, and load trucks.

Torch operator vs fork truck operator overview

	Torch Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$32,272
Hourly rate	$18.60	$15.52
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	117,624
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs fork truck operator salary

Torch operators and fork truck operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Torch Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$32,272
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	-	Grand Forks, ND
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Seneca Foods
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between torch operator and fork truck operator education

There are a few differences between a torch operator and a fork truck operator in terms of educational background:

	Torch Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs fork truck operator demographics

Here are the differences between torch operators' and fork truck operators' demographics:

	Torch Operator	Fork Truck Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 87.1% Female, 12.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.2% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 12.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 1.9% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and fork truck operator duties and responsibilities

Torch operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Enter all data in AS400 for shipping.
Operate various plasma equipment and hand torches to create items detail in blueprints.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Operate material handling equipment, overhead crane, electric truck and forklift
Used crane to unload flat bed trucks and rail cars of sheets of steel.

Fork truck operator example responsibilities.

Create and cataloge files for GMP library.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Torch operator vs fork truck operator skills

Common torch operator skills

Rail Cars, 47%
Torches, 38%
Plate Steel, 10%
CAD, 6%

Common fork truck operator skills

Pallets, 19%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Load Trucks, 7%
Load Trailers, 6%
Pallet Jack, 6%
Assembly Line, 5%

Torch Operator vs. similar jobs

Torch Operator related careers

Torch Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Fork Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs