Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Who Earns More?
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss out-earn Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands by $6K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss land at $46,420 and Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands at $40,240. The education gap is real: industrial truck and tractor operator programs typically require no formal educational credential, while laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss is District of Columbia ($83,720); for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands it's Minnesota ($46,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss earn more nationally. The median is $46,420 for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss versus $40,240 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands, a difference of $6K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators typically requires no formal educational credential. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss at $83,720/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorss earn $83,720 vs. $45,740 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.