How much does a Forklift Driver make?
Forklift drivers play a key role in many industries. They move heavy items around warehouses and factories. This job is important, and it pays well. The average yearly salary for a forklift driver is around $39,111. This means that many people find this job to be a good choice for earning a steady income.
The salary for forklift drivers can vary. Some drivers earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common salaries:
- $29,500 for the lowest 10% of earners
- $31,567 for the next 10%
- $33,635 for the next 11%
- $35,702 for the next 16%
- $37,769 for the next 16%
- $39,836 for the next 13%
- $41,904 for the next 9%
- $43,971 for the next 7%
- $46,038 for the next 7%
- $48,105 for the next 3%
- $50,173 for the top 1%
- $52,240 for the top 1%
What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $49,251
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.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $46,821
Sacramento, CA, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. The state capital's logistics hub means many jobs. Companies like Raley's and Walmart provide good career paths. The city's economy supports steady employment.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $46,665
Denver, CO, offers many forklift driver jobs in its busy logistics sector. Companies like King Soopers and XPO Logistics are hiring. The city's growing economy means good job security and opportunities for advancement.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $46,274
Fargo, ND, has a steady need for forklift drivers. The city's agriculture and manufacturing sectors rely on them. Companies like Scheels and Walmart offer many positions. The local economy is strong, providing good job stability.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $46,215
Modesto, CA, offers many forklift driver jobs in its agriculture and logistics sectors. Companies like Grace Horticultural and Raley's are hiring. The city's growing economy means good job opportunities and stability.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $45,245
Portland, OR, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. The city's logistics and manufacturing sectors need them. Companies like Fred Meyer and Costco offer many positions. The local economy is strong, providing good job opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $44,853
Los Angeles, CA, offers many forklift driver jobs in its busy logistics sector. The city's ports and warehouses are hiring. Companies like Amazon and UPS provide good career paths. The city's economy supports steady employment.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $43,816
Seattle, WA, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. The city's logistics and manufacturing sectors need them. Companies like Amazon and Costco offer many positions. The local economy is strong, providing good job opportunities.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $43,353
Minneapolis, MN, offers many forklift driver jobs in its logistics sector. The city's warehouses and distribution centers are hiring. Companies like Target and SuperValu provide good career paths. The local economy is strong, providing good job opportunities.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $43,348
New Orleans, LA, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. The city's ports and warehouses need them. Companies like Walmart and Rouses offer many positions. The local economy is strong, providing good job opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Forklift Driver can work for?

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Piping Rock Health Products
Average Salary: $54,200
Piping Rock Health Products offers competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations, including New Jersey and California. The company focuses on health and wellness products, requiring efficient handling of materials.
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G3 ENTERPRISES
Average Salary: $53,585
G3 ENTERPRISES provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in Texas and Florida. The company specializes in logistics and transportation, needing skilled drivers to manage their inventory.
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Abbott
Average Salary: $52,867
Abbott offers a solid salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in Illinois and Michigan. Abbott is a leading healthcare company, requiring careful handling of medical supplies.
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IKEA
Average Salary: $49,043
IKEA provides a decent salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations across the country, including New York and California. The company focuses on furniture and home goods, needing efficient drivers to manage their large shipments.
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Best Buy
Average Salary: $48,412
Best Buy offers a competitive salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in many states, such as Washington and Ohio. The company sells electronics and appliances, requiring skilled drivers to handle their products.
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Crown Holdings
Average Salary: $47,490
Crown Holdings provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in Pennsylvania and Georgia. The company specializes in packaging, needing efficient drivers to manage their materials.
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Packaging Corporation of America
Average Salary: $47,430
Packaging Corporation of America offers a solid salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in Illinois and North Carolina. The company focuses on packaging solutions, requiring skilled drivers to handle their products.
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Costco Wholesale
Average Salary: $46,918
Costco Wholesale provides a decent salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in Washington and California. The company sells a wide range of products, needing efficient drivers to manage their inventory.
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Baldwin Richardson Foods
Average Salary: $46,000
Baldwin Richardson Foods offers a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in California and Texas. The company specializes in food products, requiring skilled drivers to handle their shipments.
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Cameron Ashley Building Products
Average Salary: $45,812
Cameron Ashley Building Products provides a decent salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in Illinois and Texas. The company focuses on building materials, needing efficient drivers to manage their inventory.
How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?
Becoming a skilled Forklift Driver opens up many opportunities for earning more. Employers value workers who can operate forklifts safely and efficiently. Here are some ways to increase your earnings in this role.
First, gaining additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Many employers offer bonuses or higher wages for forklift operators who have completed specialized training. Certifications in pallet stacking, hazardous materials, or other advanced skills can make a big difference. Second, experience matters. The more time you spend working as a Forklift Driver, the more knowledgeable you become. This experience often leads to promotions and higher salaries. Third, working in certain industries can also boost your earnings. Jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing often pay more than other sectors. Fourth, taking on extra responsibilities can lead to higher pay. This might include overseeing a team or managing inventory. Lastly, working overtime can increase your income. Many employers offer higher rates for extra hours worked.
By focusing on these areas, Forklift Drivers can improve their earnings and career prospects.
- Get additional certifications.
- Gain more experience.
- Work in high-paying industries.
- Take on extra responsibilities.
- Work overtime.



