Forklift Operator Salary in Kansas City, MO

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Forklift Operator make in Kansas City, MO?

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $39,805 per year in Kansas City, MO.

In Kansas City, MO, the salary for a Forklift Operator can range from $32,850 to $55,400 per year. This range offers a good opportunity for those looking to enter the field. The average salary for this role is around $39,805 per year, making it a stable career choice.

Several factors can influence the salary of a Forklift Operator. These include experience, the specific industry, and the size of the company. Those with more experience or specialized skills often earn more. Companies in logistics and manufacturing tend to offer higher salaries compared to other sectors. Additionally, larger companies may provide better compensation packages.

Forklift Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Operator near Kansas City, MO?

Job seekers looking for forklift operator roles near Kansas City, MO, can find attractive opportunities in nearby cities. Topeka, KS, and Lawrence, KS, offer some of the highest average salaries, with Topeka leading at $41,975. Cedar Rapids, IA, and Des Moines, IA, also provide competitive wages, making these areas worth considering for those seeking better pay. Exploring these cities can open doors to better-paying jobs and career growth. St. Louis, MO, and Overland Park, KS, follow closely behind with salaries that are still above the average. These cities present excellent options for those aiming to enhance their financial stability in a forklift operator role.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Operator jobs near Kansas City, MO, highlighting Topeka, KS with the highest at $41,975 and Lee's Summit, MO with the lowest at $38,167.
  1. Topeka, KS
    Average Salary: $41,975
    In Topeka, you can find rewarding work with companies like B&H Farms and Seaboard Foods. These companies offer a stable environment and opportunities for career growth. The city's logistics sector is growing, making it a great place to start or advance your career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Topeka, KS


  2. Lawrence, KS
    Average Salary: $41,545
    Lawrence boasts a thriving job market for operators, with major employers such as Seaboard Foods and UPS. The city's central location and strong economy make it an ideal place for those looking to build a solid career. Opportunities for advancement are plentiful.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Lawrence, KS


  3. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $41,364
    Cedar Rapids offers a dynamic job market with companies like Rockwell Collins and Hy-Vee. These employers provide a supportive work environment and chances for professional development. The city's focus on manufacturing and logistics creates many job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  4. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $41,034
    Des Moines is home to prominent companies like Hy-Vee and Principal Financial Group. Working here means you'll be part of a well-established industry with many growth opportunities. The city's strong economy and logistics sector make it a great place for career advancement.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA


  5. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $39,366
    St. Louis offers a diverse job market with companies like Anheuser-Busch and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. These employers provide a stable work environment and chances for career growth. The city's central location and strong economy make it a great place to build a solid career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in St. Louis, MO


  6. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $39,169
    Nashville has a vibrant job market with companies like Amazon and Cracker Barrel. These employers offer a supportive work environment and opportunities for career advancement. The city's growing economy and logistics sector create many job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Nashville, TN


  7. Overland Park, KS
    Average Salary: $38,750
    Overland Park offers a stable job market with companies like Seaboard Foods and UPS. These employers provide a supportive work environment and chances for professional development. The city's strong economy and logistics sector make it a great place for career advancement.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Overland Park, KS


  8. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $38,701
    Lincoln boasts a growing job market with companies like Union Pacific Railroad and Hy-Vee. These employers offer a stable environment and opportunities for career growth. The city's focus on logistics and manufacturing creates many job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Lincoln, NE


  9. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $38,302
    Omaha offers a dynamic job market with companies like Union Pacific Railroad and Berkshire Hathaway. These employers provide a supportive work environment and chances for professional development. The city's strong economy and logistics sector make it a great place for career advancement.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  10. Lee's Summit, MO
    Average Salary: $38,167
    Lee's Summit has a thriving job market with companies like Seaboard Foods and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. These employers offer a stable work environment and opportunities for career growth. The city's central location and strong economy make it a great place to build a solid career.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Lee's Summit, MO

What are the best paying companies for a Forklift Operator in Kansas City, MO?

Midwest Motor Express, Inc. offers one of the highest salaries for forklift operators in Kansas City, with an average of $49,111 per year. R+L Carriers and Amentum also provide competitive wages, around $48,508 and $44,606 respectively. These companies value skilled forklift operators and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO, highlighting Midwest Motor Express, Inc. with the highest at $49,111 and Ace Personnel with the lowest at $40,000.
  1. Midwest Motor Express, Inc.
    Average Salary: $49,111
    Midwest Motor Express, Inc. offers competitive salaries for forklift operators. They operate in Kansas City, providing logistics and transportation services. Their team values safety and efficiency, making it a great place for skilled operators.


  2. R+L Carriers
    Average Salary: $48,508
    R+L Carriers provides a solid salary for forklift operators. They have locations in Kansas City, focusing on freight transportation. They emphasize teamwork and professional development, offering a supportive environment for operators.


  3. Amentum
    Average Salary: $44,606
    Amentum offers a good salary for forklift operators in Kansas City. They provide services in logistics and support. The company values skilled operators and offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.


  4. Ryder System
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Ryder System pays a competitive salary for forklift operators in Kansas City. They focus on logistics and transportation solutions. The company offers a stable work environment and supports career advancement for operators.


  5. Sutton Transport
    Average Salary: $41,800
    Sutton Transport offers a solid salary for forklift operators in Kansas City. They provide transportation services and value skilled operators. The company offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.


  6. DHL
    Average Salary: $40,429
    DHL offers a good salary for forklift operators. They have locations in Kansas City, focusing on global logistics. The company values skilled operators and provides a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career advancement.


  7. Vanguard Packaging
    Average Salary: $40,342
    Vanguard Packaging offers a competitive salary for forklift operators. They operate in Kansas City, providing packaging and logistics services. The company values skilled operators and offers a supportive work environment.


  8. NorthPoint Development
    Average Salary: $40,250
    NorthPoint Development offers a solid salary for forklift operators. They have locations in Kansas City, focusing on real estate development. The company values skilled operators and provides a stable work environment.


  9. Focus Workforce Management
    Average Salary: $40,200
    Focus Workforce Management offers a good salary for forklift operators. They have locations in Kansas City, providing workforce management solutions. The company values skilled operators and offers a supportive work environment.


  10. Ace Personnel
    Average Salary: $40,000
    Ace Personnel offers a competitive salary for forklift operators. They have locations in Kansas City, providing staffing solutions. The company values skilled operators and offers a dynamic work environment.

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