Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
SOC Code: 53-7051
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 89.2/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Coordination.
AI-Proof Score: 89.2 — Very High
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Median Salary
$46,390
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Job Growth
1.1%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operation and Control
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Coordination
- •Equipment Maintenance
- •Troubleshooting
- •Time Management
- •Active Listening
Common Tasks
- ✓Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
- ✓Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
- ✓Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
- ✓Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
- ✓Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation