Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

Job Outlook

Overall employment of material moving machine operators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by occupation. Employment of industrial truck and tractor operators is concentrated in warehouses. The demand for warehousing will continue to grow as more consumers choose to purchase products online. However, employment growth for these workers may be tempered as more warehouses begin using automated machinery to improve their operations. This equipment increases the efficiency of operators, allowing warehouses to employ fewer of them. Projected employment growth of conveyor operators and tenders will be limited as equipment such as high-speed conveyors and sorting systems, autonomous vehicles, and robotic pickers increase these workers’ productivity. In addition, employment of underground mining loading and moving machine operators is projected to decline. Most of the decline is in the coal mining industry, as increased use of autonomous vehicles reduces demand for these operators.