Torch operator vs material handler/forklift operator

The differences between torch operators and material handler/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 torch operator and a material handler/forklift operator. Additionally, a torch operator has an average salary of $38,691, which is higher than the $36,453 average annual salary of a material handler/forklift operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a material handler/forklift operator are pallets, safety procedures, and electric pallet jack.

Torch operator vs material handler/forklift operator overview

	Torch Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$36,453
Hourly rate	$18.60	$17.53
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	168,379
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 59%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs material handler/forklift operator salary

Torch operators and material handler/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Torch Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$36,453
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	Lakeville, MN
Highest paying state	-	North Dakota
Best paying company	-	Nestlé
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between torch operator and material handler/forklift operator education

There are a few differences between a torch operator and a material handler/forklift operator in terms of educational background:

	Torch Operator	Material Handler/Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 59%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs material handler/forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between torch operators' and material handler/forklift operators' demographics:

	Torch Operator	Material Handler/Forklift 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, 16.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.4% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and material handler/forklift 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.

Material handler/forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Train in all aspects of warehousing, shipping, receiving using WMS.
Receive parts from the manufacturers and scan parts into the inventory using warehouse management system (WMS).
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Determine require pallet count to meet the statistical receiving requirements.
Operate tools (hand truck, fork lift, dollies, hand jack), distribute materials to their designate departments.

Torch operator vs material handler/forklift operator skills

Common torch operator skills

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

Common material handler/forklift operator skills

Pallets, 19%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Electric Pallet Jack, 10%
Forklift Operation, 7%
RF Scanner, 6%
Assembly Line, 4%

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Transportation Industry
Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Material Handler/Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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