Unloader operator vs terminal operator

The differences between unloader operators and terminal 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 terminal operator. Additionally, a terminal operator has an average salary of $39,948, which is higher than the $37,270 average annual salary of an unloader operator.

The top three skills for an unloader operator include rail cars, storage tanks and unload trucks. The most important skills for a terminal operator are loaders, cranes, and rail cars.

Unloader operator vs terminal operator overview

	Unloader Operator	Terminal Operator
Yearly salary	$37,270	$39,948
Hourly rate	$17.92	$19.21
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	49,366	43,328
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 34%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	4	4

Unloader operator vs terminal operator salary

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

	Unloader Operator	Terminal Operator
Average salary	$37,270	$39,948
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $47,000	Between $32,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	-	Hawaii
Best paying company	-	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	-	Construction

Differences between unloader operator and terminal operator education

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

	Unloader Operator	Terminal Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	High School Diploma, 34%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Unloader operator vs terminal operator demographics

Here are the differences between unloader operators' and terminal operators' demographics:

	Unloader Operator	Terminal Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 82.5% Female, 17.5%
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, 15.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 2.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between unloader operator and terminal 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

Terminal operator example responsibilities.

Manage the efficient use of locomotives and fuel to ensure that freight car cycles are effectively manage while in the terminals.
Operate forklift, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, ship hydraulic cranes.
Pull LTL loads for shipment.
Experience in Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
Operate forklifts and loaders for loading aircraft.
Complete and signs declaration of inspection (Doi).

Unloader operator vs terminal operator skills

Common unloader operator skills

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

Common terminal operator skills

Loaders, 9%
Cranes, 9%
Rail Cars, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
TWIC, 5%
General Maintenance, 5%

Unloader Operator vs. similar jobs

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Transportation Industry
Unloader Operator
Unloader Operator vs Terminal Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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