Unloader operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between unloader operators and pallet jack operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an unloader operator and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, an unloader operator has an average salary of $37,270, which is higher than the $34,098 average annual salary of a pallet jack operator.

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

Unloader operator vs pallet jack operator overview

	Unloader Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary	$37,270	$34,098
Hourly rate	$17.92	$16.39
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	49,366	136,563
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Unloader operator vs pallet jack operator salary

Unloader operators and pallet jack operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Unloader Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average salary	$37,270	$34,098
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $47,000	Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	-	Denver, CO
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Cargill
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between unloader operator and pallet jack operator education

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

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

Unloader operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between unloader operators' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

	Unloader Operator	Pallet Jack Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
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, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between unloader operator and pallet jack operator 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

Pallet jack 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.
Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.

Unloader operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common unloader operator skills

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

Common pallet jack operator skills

Pallets, 33%
Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
Safety Regulations, 6%
RF Scanner, 6%
Basic Math, 6%
Warehouse Environment, 3%

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Unloader Operator
Unloader Operator vs Pallet Jack Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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