Torch operator vs production forklift operator

The differences between torch operators and production 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 production forklift operator. Additionally, a torch operator has an average salary of $38,691, which is higher than the $34,322 average annual salary of a production forklift operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a production forklift operator are pallets, line production, and safety rules.

Torch operator vs production forklift operator overview

	Torch Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$34,322
Hourly rate	$18.60	$16.50
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	160,992
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 58%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs production forklift operator salary

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

	Torch Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$34,322
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	-	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Darigold
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between torch operator and production forklift operator education

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

	Torch Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 58%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs production forklift operator demographics

Here are the differences between torch operators' and production forklift operators' demographics:

	Torch Operator	Production Forklift Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 88.5% Female, 11.5%
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, 15.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and production 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.

Production forklift operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Move and stock products using a stand up and sit down forklift.
Operate various forklifts from old Clark lifts to any new stand up and sit down lifts.
Load tractor trailer trucks with forklift and keep the production line stock with pallets of assort chicken parts to be package.
Execute production activities as directed by supervisor, including performing GMP cell culture of biologic products using closed-system device.
Deliver finished product to production area and stack items on pallet for pickup

Torch operator vs production forklift operator skills

Common torch operator skills

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

Common production forklift operator skills

Pallets, 24%
Line Production, 12%
Safety Rules, 12%
Pallet Jack, 8%
RF Scanner, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Production Forklift Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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