Industrial truck and tractor operators
SOC Code: 53-7051Also known as:
Carry All Driver, CAT Driver (Caterpillar Driver), CAT Operator (Caterpillar Operator), CAT Skinner (Caterpillar Skinner), CAT Tender (Caterpillar Tender)
Median Annual Salary
$46,390
+1.1% growth (2024-2034)
76K
Openings/Year
793K
Current Jobs
What Industrial truck and tractor operators Do
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
💰 Salary
$46,390
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
76K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
792,500
Projected Employment (2034)
801,600
Related Careers
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$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining
$68,860 •
-22.3% growth
Crane and tower operators
$66,370 •
+3.0% growth
Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
-1.1% growth
Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
$58,070 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Coordination
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Industrial truck and tractor operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a industrial truck and tractor operators:
Forklift Operation/Operator
197 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Industrial truck and tractor operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become industrial truck and tractor operators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polytech Adult Education | Woodside, DE | 12 | B |
| 2 | Colby Community College | Colby, KS | 26 | C+ |
| 3 | City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College | Chicago, IL | 159 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial truck and tractor operators make?
The median annual salary for industrial truck and tractor operators is $46,390.
What education do industrial truck and tractor operators need?
Most industrial truck and tractor operators positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Forklift Operation/Operator.
Is becoming industrial truck and tractor operators a good career choice?
Industrial truck and tractor operators is projected to see +1.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 76,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for industrial truck and tractor operators?
Top colleges for aspiring industrial truck and tractor operators include
Polytech Adult Education, Colby Community College, City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to industrial truck and tractor operators?
Industrial truck and tractor operators may also be known as: Carry All Driver, CAT Driver (Caterpillar Driver), CAT Operator (Caterpillar Operator), CAT Skinner (Caterpillar Skinner), CAT Tender (Caterpillar Tender), CAT Tractor Operator (Caterpillar Tractor Operator), Charging Car Operator, Checker Loader, Diesel Tractor Operator, Dolly Driver, Drier Transfer Car Operator, Electric Car Operator, Electric Dolly Operator, Electric Lift Truck Driver, Electric Mule Driver, Electric Mule Operator, Electric Pallet Jack Operator, Electric Truck Driver, Electric Truck Operator, Electric Trucker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.