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: 89.2Very High
💰

Median Salary

$46,390

📈

Job Growth

1.1%

⏱️

Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

🎓

Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

💵

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.

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