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Wheel loader operator vs pallet jack operator

The differences between wheel loader operators and pallet jack 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 wheel loader operator and a pallet jack operator. Additionally, a pallet jack operator has an average salary of $34,098, which is higher than the $32,803 average annual salary of a wheel loader operator.

The top three skills for a wheel loader operator include asphalt, routine maintenance and forks. The most important skills for a pallet jack operator are pallets, electric pallet jack, and safety regulations.

Wheel loader operator vs pallet jack operator overview

Wheel Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Yearly salary$32,803$34,098
Hourly rate$15.77$16.39
Growth rate7%7%
Number of jobs43,637136,563
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Wheel loader operator vs pallet jack operator salary

Wheel loader operators and pallet jack operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Wheel Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average salary$32,803$34,098
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $40,000Between $28,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City-Denver, CO
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Cargill
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between wheel loader operator and pallet jack operator education

There are a few differences between a wheel loader operator and a pallet jack operator in terms of educational background:

Wheel Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%High School Diploma, 63%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common college--

Wheel loader operator vs pallet jack operator demographics

Here are the differences between wheel loader operators' and pallet jack operators' demographics:

Wheel Loader OperatorPallet Jack Operator
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 95.3% Female, 4.7%Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 2.7% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 17.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 2.7% White, 54.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between wheel loader operator and pallet jack operator duties and responsibilities

Wheel loader operator example responsibilities.

  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
  • Experience also includes track hoe and dozer operations as needed.
  • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Pallet jack 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.
  • Promote to pallet jack operator for re-hang area
  • Operate pallet jack move material through facility and perform routine maintenance on equipment
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards.
  • Comply with all OSHA and MSDS standards by reporting quality variances.
  • Show more

Wheel loader operator vs pallet jack operator skills

Common wheel loader operator skills
  • Asphalt, 57%
  • Routine Maintenance, 29%
  • Forks, 15%
Common pallet jack operator skills
  • Pallets, 33%
  • Electric Pallet Jack, 23%
  • Safety Regulations, 6%
  • RF Scanner, 6%
  • Basic Math, 6%
  • Warehouse Environment, 3%

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