Torch operator vs reach truck operator

The differences between torch operators and reach 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 reach truck operator. Additionally, a torch operator has an average salary of $38,691, which is higher than the $34,625 average annual salary of a reach truck operator.

The top three skills for a torch operator include rail cars, torches and plate steel. The most important skills for a reach truck operator are pallets, rf scanner, and basic math.

Torch operator vs reach truck operator overview

	Torch Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Yearly salary	$38,691	$34,625
Hourly rate	$18.60	$16.65
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	42,306	137,300
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Torch operator vs reach truck operator salary

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

	Torch Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Average salary	$38,691	$34,625
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $28,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Philadelphia, PA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	United Natural Foods
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between torch operator and reach truck operator education

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

	Torch Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Torch operator vs reach truck operator demographics

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

	Torch Operator	Reach Truck Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5%	Male, 90.9% Female, 9.1%
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, 16.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.8% White, 57.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between torch operator and reach 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.

Reach truck operator example responsibilities.

Receive product in using WMS (warehouse management system )
Put away and picking of parts using RF scanner.
Train other employees to operate CNC beam line python.
Reach truck operator/picking order from WMS system and put away.
License to use a man-up, forklift, and scissor lift.
Clean and maintain the warehouse in compliance with OSHA safety standards ..

Torch operator vs reach truck operator skills

Common torch operator skills

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

Common reach truck operator skills

Pallets, 19%
RF Scanner, 7%
Basic Math, 7%
SIT, 5%
Electric Pallet Jack, 5%
Warehouse Environment, 4%

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Torch Operator
Torch Operator vs Reach Truck Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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