Forklift Operator Salary in Des Moines, IA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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City
Salary

How much does a Forklift Operator make in Des Moines, IA?

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $41,034 per year in Des Moines, IA.

In Des Moines, IA, a Forklift Operator can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average annual salary for this position is around $41,000. This figure can vary based on experience and specific job duties. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries.

For those just starting, salaries can range from $34,000 to $38,000. As operators gain more experience, they can see their salaries increase. Experienced operators can earn between $45,000 and $51,000 annually. These figures provide a clear picture of potential earnings in this field. They show that with time and dedication, a Forklift Operator can achieve a good income in Des Moines, IA.

Forklift Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Operator near Des Moines, IA?

Job seekers looking for forklift operator roles near Des Moines, IA, can find attractive opportunities in nearby cities. Urbandale, IA, offers the highest average salary at $45,142 per year. Clinton, IA, follows closely with an average salary of $43,354 per year. These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Operator jobs near Des Moines, IA, highlighting Urbandale, IA with the highest at $45,142 and Ames, IA with the lowest at $39,002.
  1. Urbandale, IA
    Average Salary: $45,142
    In Urbandale, you can find many opportunities in logistics and manufacturing. Companies like Hy-Vee and Vermeer Corporation offer stable jobs. The area's growing economy makes it a great place to start or advance your career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Urbandale, IA


  2. Clinton, IA
    Average Salary: $43,354
    Clinton provides a strong job market for those in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Companies such as John Deere and Tyson Foods offer good positions. The city's supportive community and lower cost of living add to its appeal.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Clinton, IA


  3. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $41,364
    Cedar Rapids is a hub for manufacturing and logistics, with companies like Rockwell Collins and Vermeer. The city offers a variety of job opportunities and a lower cost of living. It's a great place to build a career in operations.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  4. Sioux City, IA
    Average Salary: $39,801
    Sioux City has a solid job market with companies like Tyson Foods and JBS USA. The city offers a mix of manufacturing and distribution jobs. It's a good place to work in a supportive environment.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Sioux City, IA


  5. Waterloo, IA
    Average Salary: $39,231
    In Waterloo, you can find many opportunities in manufacturing and logistics. Companies like John Deere and C.R. Bard offer stable jobs. The city's growing economy and lower cost of living make it a great place to work.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Waterloo, IA


  6. Fort Dodge, IA
    Average Salary: $39,185
    Fort Dodge offers a variety of job opportunities in manufacturing and logistics. Companies like Tyson Foods and Wells Enterprises provide good positions. The city's supportive community and lower cost of living add to its appeal.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Fort Dodge, IA


  7. Davenport, IA
    Average Salary: $39,177
    Davenport has a strong job market with companies like John Deere and UnityPoint Health. The city offers a mix of manufacturing and healthcare jobs. It's a great place to work in a vibrant community.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Davenport, IA


  8. Council Bluffs, IA
    Average Salary: $39,139
    Council Bluffs provides many opportunities in manufacturing and logistics. Companies like Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland offer good positions. The city's supportive community and lower cost of living make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Council Bluffs, IA


  9. Muscatine, IA
    Average Salary: $39,025
    Muscatine offers a variety of job opportunities in manufacturing and logistics. Companies like ADM and Rockwell Collins provide good positions. The city's supportive community and lower cost of living add to its appeal.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Muscatine, IA


  10. Ames, IA
    Average Salary: $39,002
    Ames has a strong job market with companies like Iowa State University and Wells Enterprises. The city offers a mix of educational and manufacturing jobs. It's a great place to work in a vibrant community.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Ames, IA

What are the best paying companies for a Forklift Operator in Des Moines, IA?

XPO offers the highest pay for Forklift Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA, with an average salary of $50,507. Midwest Motor Express, Inc. follows closely with an average salary of $47,650. R+L Carriers also provides a competitive salary of $47,204 per year. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them top choices for job seekers in the area. Keurig Dr Pepper, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and TITAN TIRE CORPORATION also provide good salaries for Forklift Operators. Helena Industries, LLC and Iowa Staffing are other options with salaries ranging from $36,000 to $38,437.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA, highlighting XPO with the highest at $50,507 and Iowa Staffing with the lowest at $36,000.
  1. XPO
    Average Salary: $50,507
    XPO offers competitive salaries for Forklift Operator jobs. They have multiple locations in Des Moines, including their main office and several distribution centers. XPO focuses on logistics and transportation, providing a stable and dynamic work environment.


  2. Midwest Motor Express, Inc.
    Average Salary: $47,650
    Midwest Motor Express, Inc. provides good pay for Forklift Operators. They operate in Des Moines and other parts of Iowa. This company specializes in freight transportation, offering a range of opportunities for skilled operators.


  3. R+L Carriers
    Average Salary: $47,204
    R+L Carriers offers attractive salaries for Forklift Operators. They have facilities in Des Moines and other locations. This company is known for its focus on customer service and safety, making it a great place to work.


  4. CrossCountry Freight Solutions
    Average Salary: $45,800
    CrossCountry Freight Solutions provides competitive pay for Forklift Operators. They operate in Des Moines, offering a range of job opportunities. This company emphasizes teamwork and efficiency in its operations.


  5. Keurig Dr Pepper
    Average Salary: $43,180
    Keurig Dr Pepper offers good salaries for Forklift Operators. They have locations in Des Moines and other areas. This company is a leader in the beverage industry, providing a stable and rewarding work environment.


  6. O'Reilly Auto Parts
    Average Salary: $38,437
    O'Reilly Auto Parts offers fair pay for Forklift Operators. They have several locations in Des Moines. This company is known for its wide range of automotive products and a supportive work culture.


  7. TITAN TIRE CORPORATION
    Average Salary: $37,020
    TITAN TIRE CORPORATION provides decent salaries for Forklift Operators. They operate in Des Moines and other locations. This company focuses on tire manufacturing and distribution, offering a stable job with good benefits.


  8. Aerotek
    Average Salary: $37,000
    Aerotek offers competitive pay for Forklift Operators. They have multiple locations in Des Moines. This company specializes in staffing services, providing various job opportunities and career growth.


  9. Helena Industries, LLC
    Average Salary: $36,300
    Helena Industries, LLC provides fair salaries for Forklift Operators. They operate in Des Moines and other areas. This company is known for its focus on manufacturing and distribution, offering a stable and rewarding work environment.


  10. Iowa Staffing
    Average Salary: $36,000
    Iowa Staffing offers decent pay for Forklift Operators. They have locations in Des Moines. This company specializes in staffing services, providing various job opportunities and career growth.

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