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The differences between washer operators and forklift operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a washer operator, becoming a forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $31,789 average annual salary of a washer operator.
The top three skills for a washer operator include safety standards, dryers and car wash. The most important skills for a forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Washer Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,789 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $15.28 | $16.45 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 75,715 | 213,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.
Forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine. Forklift operators are responsible for loading and unloading cargo, operating the machine to ensure that the cargo reaches its destination, and complying with safety protocols. They are also in-charge of maintenance work on the machine and reporting any challenges or issues that may be encountered. Forklift operators must be physically fit and alert at all times.
Washer operators and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Washer Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,789 | $34,213 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest paying City | Belvidere, IL | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Siemens | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a washer operator and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Washer Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between washer operators' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Washer Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 4.4% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |