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How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $38,965 per year in the US.

A Forklift Driver plays a key role in many industries, from manufacturing to retail. This job involves operating a forklift to move materials around a warehouse or factory. The average yearly salary for a Forklift Driver is around $38,965. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

For those just starting, salaries may be lower. As experience grows, so can the salary. Experienced forklift drivers can earn more, especially in busy industries like logistics and manufacturing. Some drivers also earn bonuses or overtime pay, which can increase their total earnings. The salary data shows that the majority of Forklift Drivers earn between $33,604 and $45,915 per year. This range shows the potential for growth and higher earnings with more experience.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Job seekers looking for forklift driver positions can find some of the best pay in Worcester, MA, where the average salary is $49,050. Sacramento, CA, and Modesto, CA, also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $46,532 and $46,124, respectively. Other cities like Fargo, ND, and Denver, CO, provide attractive compensation packages for forklift drivers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Worcester, MA with the highest at $49,050 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $42,938.
  1. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,050
    In Worcester, MA, operating a forklift is a key role in many warehouses. Companies like MassMutual and UMASS Memorial Health offer many opportunities. The city's growing economy makes it a good place to work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,532
    Sacramento, CA, has a strong demand for forklift operators. Companies like Raley's and Blue Shield of California provide many job openings. The city's logistics sector is expanding, offering good career growth.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $46,124
    Modesto, CA, is a hub for agriculture and manufacturing, making it a great place for forklift drivers. Companies like Grace Horticultural and Valley Children's Healthcare need skilled operators. The area's economy is growing, providing many job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $45,856
    Fargo, ND, offers many forklift driving jobs in its thriving logistics sector. Companies like Walmart and North Dakota State University offer good positions. The city's strong economy ensures steady employment.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $45,476
    Denver, CO, has a dynamic job market for forklift drivers. Companies like King Soopers and Denver International Airport need skilled operators. The city's growing industries offer many career opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $45,273
    Portland, OR, is a great place for forklift drivers. Companies like Fred Meyer and Portland International Airport offer many job openings. The city's diverse economy provides good career growth.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,274
    Los Angeles, CA, offers many forklift driving jobs in its busy logistics sector. Companies like Amazon and Los Angeles Unified School District need skilled operators. The city's large economy ensures steady employment.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,816
    Seattle, WA, has a strong demand for forklift operators. Companies like Amazon and Seattle Children's Hospital offer many job openings. The city's thriving industries provide good career growth.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,759
    Minneapolis, MN, offers many forklift driving jobs in its busy logistics sector. Companies like Target and Mayo Clinic need skilled operators. The city's strong economy ensures steady employment.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $42,938
    Las Vegas, NV, has a growing demand for forklift drivers. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment offer many job openings. The city's expanding economy provides many career opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Las Vegas, NV

What are the best companies a Forklift Driver can work for?

Piping Rock Health Products offers top-tier salaries for forklift drivers, with an average of $53,969. G3 Enterprises and Abbott also provide competitive pay, averaging around $53,427 and $52,758. IKEA, Best Buy, and Packaging Corporation of America follow closely, ensuring good compensation for those in these roles.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $53,969 and International Paper with the lowest at $45,727.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $53,969
    Piping Rock Health Products is a leading manufacturer of health supplements. They offer competitive salaries and benefits. This company operates in the United States, with a strong presence in New York and California.


  2. G3 ENTERPRISES
    Average Salary: $53,427
    G3 ENTERPRISES is a global provider of logistics and supply chain solutions. They offer rewarding career opportunities with a focus on safety and efficiency. The company has locations in major cities across the United States.


  3. Abbott
    Average Salary: $52,758
    Abbott is a health care company known for its nutrition, medical devices, and diagnostics products. They provide a supportive work environment with good benefits. Abbott operates in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $48,943
    IKEA is a well-known furniture retailer with stores worldwide. They offer a dynamic work environment and opportunities for career growth. IKEA has locations in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.


  5. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $48,000
    Best Buy is a leading electronics retailer with stores across the United States. They offer competitive pay and benefits. The company operates in major cities and suburban areas nationwide.


  6. Packaging Corporation of America
    Average Salary: $47,659
    Packaging Corporation of America is a major supplier of corrugated packaging. They offer stable employment and good benefits. The company has facilities in many states across the United States.


  7. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $47,373
    Crown Holdings is a global leader in metal packaging. They offer a variety of career opportunities with good compensation. Crown Holdings operates in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,918
    Costco Wholesale is a membership-only warehouse club with stores across the United States. They offer competitive pay and benefits. Costco operates in many states and has a strong presence in the West Coast.


  9. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Baldwin Richardson Foods is a leading food processing company. They offer good salaries and benefits. The company operates in several states across the United States.


  10. International Paper
    Average Salary: $45,727
    International Paper is a global leader in packaging and paper products. They offer a variety of career opportunities with good compensation. The company operates in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

Becoming a skilled forklift driver opens up many opportunities for earning more. Employers value experience and specialized skills. By focusing on certain areas, a forklift driver can increase their earning potential. One key factor is gaining certifications. These certifications show a higher level of skill and safety knowledge. They can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.

Another important factor is gaining experience in different industries. Each industry has its own set of challenges and requirements. A forklift driver who can work in multiple settings becomes more valuable. This versatility can lead to higher-paying jobs. Additionally, taking on more responsibilities can also increase earnings. This includes overseeing other workers or managing inventory. Employers often reward these extra duties with higher pay. Finally, staying updated on the latest technology can make a forklift driver more efficient. This efficiency can lead to higher productivity and, in turn, higher pay.

Here are some ways to earn more as a forklift driver:

  1. Get forklift certifications
  2. Gain experience in different industries
  3. Take on more responsibilities
  4. Stay updated on technology
  5. Seek out higher-paying job opportunities

Currently 856 Forklift Driver job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Forklift Driver does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Forklift Driver today.
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Forklift Driver
856 Job Openings