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Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $39,006 per year in the US.

Forklift drivers play a key role in many industries, ensuring goods move smoothly within warehouses and distribution centers. The average yearly salary for a forklift driver is around $39,006. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

Factors that can influence a forklift driver's salary include:

  • Experience: More experienced drivers often earn higher salaries.
  • Location: Salaries can differ significantly between urban and rural areas.
  • Industry: Certain industries, like manufacturing, may offer higher wages.

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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 reaches $49,050. The cities of Sacramento, CA, and Modesto, CA, also offer competitive wages, with averages around $46,730 and $46,124, respectively. Denver, CO, Fargo, ND, and Portland, OR, provide solid opportunities with salaries close to $46,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Worcester, MA with the highest at $49,050 and St. Louis, MO with the lowest at $42,998.
  1. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,050
    In Worcester, MA, operating a forklift offers a stable career with good pay. Companies like MassMutual and UMASS Memorial Health provide many opportunities. The city's growing industries make it a great place to work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,730
    Sacramento, CA, is a bustling hub for forklift operators. With companies like Raley's and Blue Shield of California, there are many job openings. The city's diverse economy ensures steady work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $46,124
    Modesto, CA, offers a strong job market for forklift drivers. Companies such as Grace Flower Farms and Ceres Cooperative Packing Company need skilled workers. The city's agricultural sector provides many opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $45,936
    Denver, CO, is a great place for forklift operators. With companies like King Soopers and XPO Logistics, there are plenty of job openings. The city's growing industries offer good career prospects.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $45,856
    Fargo, ND, provides a solid career path for forklift drivers. Companies like Walmart and North Dakota State University offer many job opportunities. The city's stable economy ensures steady work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $45,092
    Portland, OR, is a vibrant city for forklift operators. Companies like Fred Meyer and Costco offer many job openings. The city's diverse industries provide good career opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,853
    Los Angeles, CA, offers a dynamic job market for forklift drivers. Companies like Amazon and United Parcel Service (UPS) provide many job openings. The city's large economy ensures steady work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,816
    Seattle, WA, is a great place for forklift operators. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer many job openings. The city's thriving industries provide good career prospects.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,442
    Minneapolis, MN, offers a stable job market for forklift drivers. Companies like Target and General Mills provide many job openings. The city's diverse economy ensures steady work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $42,998
    St. Louis, MO, provides a good career path for forklift operators. Companies like Enterprise Holdings and Anheuser-Busch offer many job opportunities. The city's stable economy ensures steady work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in St. Louis, MO

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

Piping Rock Health Products, G3 Enterprises, and Abbott offer some of the best salaries for forklift drivers. These companies provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for job seekers. Piping Rock Health Products leads with an average salary of $54,227, while G3 Enterprises and Abbott follow closely behind.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $54,227 and International Paper with the lowest at $45,727.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $54,227
    Piping Rock Health Products offers rewarding Forklift Driver jobs. They operate in various locations, including New Jersey. This company values safety and efficiency in its operations.


  2. G3 ENTERPRISES
    Average Salary: $53,427
    G3 ENTERPRISES provides competitive salaries for Forklift Driver positions. They have facilities in California and Texas. This company focuses on innovation and customer satisfaction.


  3. Abbott
    Average Salary: $53,036
    Abbott offers attractive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in Illinois and other states. This company emphasizes health and nutrition, providing a stable work environment.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $49,017
    IKEA offers good salaries for Forklift Drivers. They have stores across the country. This company values teamwork and creativity in its operations.


  5. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $48,311
    Best Buy provides competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in many locations nationwide. This company focuses on customer service and technology.


  6. Packaging Corporation of America
    Average Salary: $47,809
    Packaging Corporation of America offers good salaries for Forklift Drivers. They have facilities in Illinois and other states. This company focuses on packaging solutions and sustainability.


  7. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $47,535
    Crown Holdings offers competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations. This company focuses on metal packaging and innovation.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,918
    Costco Wholesale provides good salaries for Forklift Drivers. They have warehouses across the country. This company values membership satisfaction and quality products.


  9. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Baldwin Richardson Foods offers competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in Pennsylvania and other states. This company focuses on food production and quality.


  10. International Paper
    Average Salary: $45,727
    International Paper offers good salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations. This company focuses on paper and packaging solutions.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

Becoming a skilled forklift driver can lead to a rewarding career with many opportunities for advancement. To earn more in this role, consider these key factors. Gaining experience and expertise in operating various types of forklifts can open doors to higher-paying positions. Employers often value drivers who can handle different equipment efficiently and safely.

Additionally, obtaining certifications can significantly boost earning potential. Certifications such as the Certified Forklift Operator (CFO) or the Certified Forklift Technician (CFT) demonstrate a commitment to safety and proficiency. These credentials can make a candidate more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium for skilled workers. Other factors include working in high-demand industries, such as logistics and manufacturing, and seeking out employers who offer competitive wages and benefits. Networking with other professionals and staying informed about industry trends can also lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a forklift driver:

  1. Gain experience and expertise in operating various types of forklifts.
  2. Obtain certifications such as Certified Forklift Operator (CFO) or Certified Forklift Technician (CFT).
  3. Work in high-demand industries like logistics and manufacturing.
  4. Seek employers who offer competitive wages and benefits.
  5. Network with other professionals and stay informed about industry trends.

Currently 902 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
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