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The differences between washer operators and machine operator/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 machine operator/forklift operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a machine operator/forklift operator has an average salary of $32,452, 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 machine operator/forklift operator are safety standards, drive forklift, and load trucks.
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,789 | $32,452 |
| Hourly rate | $15.28 | $15.60 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 75,715 | 120,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| 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.
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.
Washer operators and machine operator/forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,789 | $32,452 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $26,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Belvidere, IL | Renton, WA |
| Highest paying state | Illinois | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Siemens | TreeHouse Foods |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a washer operator and a machine operator/forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 61% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | - |
Here are the differences between washer operators' and machine operator/forklift operators' demographics:
| Washer Operator | Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| 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, 16.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 2.3% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 4% |