Forklift Operator Salary in Chattanooga, TN

Updated on May 09, 2025
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How much does a Forklift Operator make in Chattanooga, TN?

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $35,837 per year in Chattanooga, TN.

In Chattanooga, TN, a Forklift Operator can earn a good salary. The average annual salary for this role is around $35,837. This means that many people in this job can support themselves and their families well. The salary can vary based on experience and the specific company you work for.

For those just starting out, salaries can be lower. Entry-level Forklift Operators might earn between $32,000 and $34,000 a year. As you gain more experience, your salary can increase. Experienced operators can earn between $38,000 and $43,000 annually. Some even reach salaries as high as $44,000. This shows that with hard work and dedication, there are opportunities to grow and earn more in this field.

Forklift Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Operator near Chattanooga, TN?

Job seekers in Chattanooga, TN, can find high-paying forklift operator jobs in nearby cities. Nashville, TN, offers the highest average salary at $39,169. Huntsville, AL, follows closely with $38,613. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking better compensation. Exploring other nearby cities can also yield good results. Birmingham, AL, and Knoxville, TN, offer average salaries of $37,692 and $37,635, respectively. Atlanta, GA, and Dalton, GA, provide competitive salaries as well. These cities present a range of options for job seekers aiming for higher earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Operator jobs near Chattanooga, TN, highlighting Nashville, TN with the highest at $39,169 and Ooltewah, TN with the lowest at $32,720.
  1. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $39,169
    Nashville offers a bustling environment for those in the logistics sector. Companies like Amazon and FedEx have large operations here. Workers can expect a dynamic job with plenty of opportunities for growth.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Nashville, TN


  2. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $38,613
    Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry, which creates a steady demand for skilled workers. Companies such as Boeing and NASA provide a stable job market. It's a great place for those looking for a reliable career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Huntsville, AL


  3. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $37,692
    Birmingham has a strong manufacturing base, with many companies needing logistics support. Firms like U.S. Steel and Vulcan Materials Company offer good career prospects. The city's growth means more job opportunities for operators.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Birmingham, AL


  4. Knoxville, TN
    Average Salary: $37,635
    Knoxville is a hub for education and healthcare, which boosts the demand for logistics. Companies like UT Medical Center and Pilot Flying J need efficient supply chain management. It's a city with a growing job market.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Knoxville, TN


  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $36,528
    Atlanta is a major logistics center with many Fortune 500 companies. Delta Air Lines and UPS are prominent employers. The city offers a fast-paced job with many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Dalton, GA
    Average Salary: $35,517
    Dalton is known for its carpet industry, which relies heavily on logistics. Companies like Mohawk Industries and Beaulieu International need skilled workers. It's a city with a strong focus on manufacturing and distribution.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Dalton, GA


  7. Cleveland, TN
    Average Salary: $35,266
    Cleveland has a mix of manufacturing and retail, creating a steady need for logistics support. Companies like Newell Brands and Coca-Cola offer stable jobs. The city's growth means more opportunities for operators.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Cleveland, TN


  8. Calhoun, GA
    Average Salary: $35,142
    Calhoun is a smaller city with a growing logistics sector. Companies like Torm and Nucor need efficient supply chain management. It's a great place for those looking for a community-focused job with good prospects.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Calhoun, GA


  9. Ringgold, GA
    Average Salary: $34,355
    Ringgold has a mix of manufacturing and retail, with companies like Newell Brands and Coca-Cola needing logistics support. The city offers a stable job market with plenty of opportunities for growth.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Ringgold, GA


  10. Ooltewah, TN
    Average Salary: $32,720
    Ooltewah is a growing city with a strong focus on logistics. Companies like Volkswagen and Pilot Flying J need skilled workers. The city offers a dynamic job market with many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Ooltewah, TN

What are the best paying companies for a Forklift Operator in Chattanooga, TN?

R+L Carriers offers the highest pay for forklift operators in Chattanooga, TN, with an average salary of $43,840. XPO and Kenco Group follow closely, offering salaries of $39,247 and $38,260, respectively. These companies provide competitive wages and opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN, highlighting R+L Carriers with the highest at $43,840 and Advantage Resourcing with the lowest at $34,000.
  1. R+L Carriers
    Average Salary: $43,840
    R+L Carriers offers competitive salaries for Forklift Operators. They have locations across the U.S., including Chattanooga, TN. Workers handle freight and ensure timely deliveries.


  2. XPO
    Average Salary: $39,247
    XPO provides good pay for Forklift Operators. They operate in Chattanooga, TN, and other locations. Employees manage logistics and ensure smooth operations.


  3. Kenco Group
    Average Salary: $38,260
    Kenco Group offers a solid salary for Forklift Operators. They have facilities in Chattanooga, TN. Workers move materials and support warehouse operations.


  4. HTI - Human Technologies, Inc.
    Average Salary: $38,250
    HTI - Human Technologies, Inc. provides a fair salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in Chattanooga, TN. Employees handle goods and ensure efficient warehouse management.


  5. Southern Champion Tray
    Average Salary: $35,808
    Southern Champion Tray offers a decent salary for Forklift Operators. They have a location in Chattanooga, TN. Workers manage materials and support production processes.


  6. M&M Industries
    Average Salary: $35,698
    M&M Industries provides a good salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in Chattanooga, TN. Employees handle materials and ensure smooth operations.


  7. Malone Solutions
    Average Salary: $35,463
    Malone Solutions offers a fair salary for Forklift Operators. They have a location in Chattanooga, TN. Workers manage goods and support warehouse operations.


  8. ProLogistix
    Average Salary: $34,235
    ProLogistix provides a decent salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in Chattanooga, TN. Employees handle materials and ensure efficient logistics.


  9. Acme Brick Company
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Acme Brick Company offers a fair salary for Forklift Operators. They have a location in Chattanooga, TN. Workers manage materials and support production.


  10. Advantage Resourcing
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Advantage Resourcing provides a fair salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in Chattanooga, TN. Employees handle goods and support warehouse operations.

Currently 4,251 Forklift Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Forklift Operator in the US?

Learn what a Forklift Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Forklift Operator today.
Position
Overview
Forklift Operator
4,251 Job Openings