Unloader operator vs loader/unloader

The differences between unloader operators and loader/unloaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an unloader operator has an average salary of $37,270, which is higher than the $31,827 average annual salary of a loader/unloader.

The top three skills for an unloader operator include rail cars, storage tanks and unload trucks. The most important skills for a loader/unloader are inventory control, electric pallet jack, and pallets.

Unloader operator vs loader/unloader overview

	Unloader Operator	Loader/Unloader
Yearly salary	$37,270	$31,827
Hourly rate	$17.92	$15.30
Growth rate	7%	6%
Number of jobs	49,366	67,063
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	40
Years of experience	4	-

Unloader operator vs loader/unloader salary

Unloader operators and loader/unloaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Unloader Operator	Loader/Unloader
Average salary	$37,270	$31,827
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $47,000	Between $26,000 And $38,000
Highest paying City	-	Tacoma, WA
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Bunge
Best paying industry	-	Transportation

Differences between unloader operator and loader/unloader education

There are a few differences between an unloader operator and a loader/unloader in terms of educational background:

	Unloader Operator	Loader/Unloader
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Unloader operator vs loader/unloader demographics

Here are the differences between unloader operators' and loader/unloaders' demographics:

	Unloader Operator	Loader/Unloader
Average age	43	40
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 89.7% Female, 10.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.2% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 14.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.5% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	4%	5%

Differences between unloader operator and loader/unloader duties and responsibilities

Unloader operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Recycle used materials -cleane assigned areas -Assist in other warehouse areas as needed

Loader/unloader example responsibilities.

Check boxes for leaks or damages so they can be send to back to QA.
Provide QA and material damage reports.
Position also require the use of RF equipment.
Load shingles on roof tops during the summer time.
Roof LoaderLoading shingles and unloading other roofing materials onto roofs.
Stock groceries and freight, unload trucks, condition aisles.

Unloader operator vs loader/unloader skills

Common unloader operator skills

Rail Cars, 84%
Storage Tanks, 8%
Unload Trucks, 8%

Common loader/unloader skills

Inventory Control, 27%
Electric Pallet Jack, 16%
Pallets, 13%
Tractor Trailer, 10%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Delivery Truck, 3%

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Transportation Industry
Unloader Operator
Unloader Operator vs Loader/Unloader

Updated January 8, 2025

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