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The differences between warehouse machine operators and 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 forklift operator. Additionally, a forklift operator has an average salary of $34,213, which is higher than the $33,796 average annual salary of a warehouse machine 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 forklift operator are pallets, basic math, and electric pallet jack.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Yearly Salary | $33,796 | $34,213 |
| Hourly rate | $16.25 | $16.45 |
| Growth Rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number Of Jobs | 229,051 | 213,020 |
| Job Satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most Common Degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| 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.
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.
Warehouse machine operators and forklift operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average Salary | $33,796 | $34,213 |
| Salary Range | Between $27,000 And $41,000 | Between $27,000 And $42,000 |
| Highest Paying City | Fridley, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest Paying State | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best Paying Company | BP America Inc | DeWitt LLP Law Firm |
| Best Paying Industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a warehouse machine operator and a forklift operator in terms of educational background:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Most Common Degree | High School Diploma, 56% | High School Diploma, 59% |
| Most Common Major | Business | Business |
| Most Common College | - | - |
Here are the differences between warehouse machine operators' and forklift operators' demographics:
| Warehouse Machine Operator | Forklift Operator | |
| Average Age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender Ratio | Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| 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, 16.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |