Forklift Operator vs Inventory Specialist
Pay, skills and open jobs side by side, from current job postings across the US.
Pay
Forklift Operator
$42,600 typical, a year
Most Forklift Operators earn $39,500 to $45,800 a year.
From 920 postings that list pay
6,022 open jobs now
Inventory Specialist
$46,800 typical, a year
Most Inventory Specialists earn $41,600 to $56,200 a year.
From 909 postings that list pay
4,498 open jobs now
Inventory Specialists typically earn about $4,200 more a year than Forklift Operators.
What each one does
Forklift Operator
- Unload inbound shipments and move products to appropriate locations.
- Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers safely and efficiently.
- Stack and store products in designated areas using a forklift.
- Pull and prepare products for shipment by ensuring the exact number and type is loaded.
- Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following warehouse safety standards.
- Perform accurate inventory handling and documentation as required.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Inventory Specialist
- Conduct regular cycle counts and audits to verify inventory accuracy.
- Research and resolve inventory discrepancies found in records or stock.
- Process incoming shipments and verify items against purchase orders.
- Enter and update inventory data into computer systems or databases.
- Organize and store inventory items in designated warehouse locations.
- Inspect goods for damage and report quality issues to supervisors.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
Forklift Operator
Asked for in both
- Forklift Operation 8 in 10 postings
- Inventory Management 1 in 10 postings
- Warehouse Management 1 in 10 postings
- Cycle Counting 1 in 10 postings
More common in Forklift Operator postings
- Pallet Jack 3 in 10 postings
- Material Handling Equipment 1 in 10 postings
- RF Scanner 1 in 10 postings
- Material Handling 1 in 10 postings
Inventory Specialist
Asked for in both
- Forklift Operation 1 in 10 postings
- Inventory Management 5 in 10 postings
- Warehouse Management 2 in 10 postings
- Cycle Counting 4 in 10 postings
More common in Inventory Specialist postings
- Microsoft Office 3 in 10 postings
- Microsoft Excel 3 in 10 postings
- Receiving 1 in 10 postings
- Shipping & Receiving 1 in 10 postings
Out of each role's current postings.
Licenses and certifications
Forklift Operator
- Forklift Certification 3 in 10 postings
Inventory Specialist
- Driver's License 1 in 10 postings
Open jobs
Forklift Operator
Stand Up Reach Operator-2nd Shift
Core-MarkPay not stated Livermore, CA, United StatesPallet JackForklift OperationGMPForklift CertificationPPE Usage +1- Pay not stated Knoxville, TN, United StatesPallet JackMaterial HandlingForklift OperationGMPForklift Certification +1
Forklift Operator
Core-MarkPay not stated Fort Worth, TX, United StatesPallet JackForklift OperationWarehouse ManagementForklift CertificationGMP
Inventory Specialist
Inventory Control Lead
Core-MarkPay not stated Brockton, MA, United StatesInventory ManagementForklift OperationInventory Control Coordinator
Core-MarkPay not stated Orlando, FL, United StatesPallet JackCycle CountingInventory ManagementMicrosoft OfficeCoord, Inventory Control
Core-MarkPay not stated Greensboro, NC, United StatesCycle CountingInventory ManagementMicrosoft Office
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