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The differences between warehouse machine operators and machine operator/forklift 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 machine operator/forklift operator. Additionally, a warehouse machine operator has an average salary of $33,796, which is higher than the $32,452 average annual salary of a machine operator/forklift 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 machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $33,796 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $16.25 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 229,051 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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 machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Warehouse machine operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $33,796 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $41,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fridley, MN | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a warehouse machine operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between warehouse machine operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |