Forklift Operator vs Material Handler
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 893 postings that list pay
5,436 open jobs now
Material Handler
$43,700 typical, a year
Most Material Handlers earn $39,500 to $47,300 a year.
From 1,484 postings that list pay
8,542 open jobs now
Typical pay is about the same for Forklift Operators and Material Handlers.
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
Material Handler
- Load and unload trucks and other delivery vehicles with materials and products.
- Pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for shipment.
- Operate forklifts and other powered industrial equipment to move materials.
- Receive and inspect incoming shipments of materials.
- Stack, store, and organize materials in designated warehouse areas.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
Forklift Operator
Asked for in both
- Forklift Operation 8 in 10 postings
- Pallet Jack 3 in 10 postings
- Inventory Management 1 in 10 postings
- Material Handling Equipment 1 in 10 postings
- Warehouse Management 1 in 10 postings
- Material Handling 1 in 10 postings
- Cycle Counting 1 in 10 postings
More common in Forklift Operator postings
- RF Scanner 1 in 10 postings
Material Handler
Asked for in both
- Forklift Operation 3 in 10 postings
- Pallet Jack 2 in 10 postings
- Inventory Management 2 in 10 postings
- Material Handling Equipment 2 in 10 postings
- Warehouse Management 1 in 10 postings
- Material Handling 3 in 10 postings
- Cycle Counting 1 in 10 postings
More common in Material Handler 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
Material Handler
- Forklift Certification 1 in 10 postings
Open jobs
Forklift Operator
Lift Truck Operator
Live ComfortablyPay not stated Dallas, TX, 75236Forklift OperationMaterial HandlingInventory Management1st Shift Forklift Operator
BrakebushPay not stated Mocksville, NC, US, 27028 HybridForklift OperationPallet JackSAPShipping & ReceivingPPE Usage +1Reach Truck Operator
ODW LogisticsPay not stated Lockbourne, OH OnsiteMaterial HandlingRF ScannerForklift OperationMaterial Handling EquipmentOrder Picker +1
Material Handler
Material Handler 2nd Shift
Eastern Metal SupplyPay not stated Lake Worth, FLWarehouse ManagementForklift OperationMaterial HandlingMaterial Handler 3, Warehousing
Western DigitalPay not stated San Jose, CA, United StatesSAPOracleInventory ManagementSupply Chain ManagementMicrosoft Office +6
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