Torch operator vs lift operator

The differences between torch operators and lift 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 lift operator. Additionally, a torch operator has an average salary of $38,691, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.

Torch operator vs lift operator overview

	Torch Operator	Lift Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$32,309
Hourly rate	$18.60	$15.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	72,445
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs lift operator salary

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

	Torch Operator	Lift Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$32,309
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	-	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	BD
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between torch operator and lift operator education

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

	Torch Operator	Lift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs lift operator demographics

Here are the differences between torch operators' and lift operators' demographics:

	Torch Operator	Lift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
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, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and lift 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.

Lift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Use AS400 to take yarn out of inventory.
Load and unload ship cargo using wenches or other hoisting devices.
Check forklift for problems such as fluid levels, tires and forks.
Load and unload trucks with as sit down with slip sheet and double forks attachment practicing a safe environment.
Record inventory and reroute misplaced pallets at rack locations to the correct location

Torch operator vs lift operator skills

Common torch operator skills

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

Common lift operator skills

Pallets, 17%
Fork-Lift, 14%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Safety Rules, 9%
Power Saws, 4%
Load Trucks, 4%

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 Lift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs