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The differences between warehouse machine operators and lift 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 warehouse machine operator and a lift operator. Additionally, a warehouse machine operator has an average salary of $33,796, which is higher than the $32,309 average annual salary of a lift operator.
The top three skills for a warehouse machine operator include basic math, safety regulations and electric pallet jack. The most important skills for a lift operator are pallets, fork-lift, and electric pallet jack.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,796 | $32,309 |
| Hourly rate | $16.25 | $15.53 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 229,051 | 72,445 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Warehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines. They are expected to communicate with other team members and provide support for continuous production. Most employers are looking to hire someone with knowledge of production and safety procedures, previous experience as a machine operator, and analytical skills.
A lift operator is responsible for overseeing the performance of chair lifts in ski resorts and mountains, ensuring the efficiency of the machine and safety of all riders. Aside from controlling operations, they must also assist customers in getting up and off the lifts, remind them of the safety precautions, and ensure that the ride capacity is up to standard. Furthermore, lift operators must make sure that the machine is in good condition and adhere to all the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Warehouse machine operators and lift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,796 | $32,309 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $41,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fridley, MN | Fremont, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | BD |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a warehouse machine operator and a lift operator in terms of educational background:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between warehouse machine operators' and lift operators' demographics:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Lift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7% | Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 15.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |