Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $39,111 per year in the US.

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%

View Forklift Driver jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Job seekers looking for high-paying forklift driver positions should consider Worcester, MA, where the average salary reaches $49,251. Sacramento, CA, and Denver, CO, follow closely with average salaries of $46,821 and $46,665, respectively. These cities offer competitive wages, making them attractive options for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Worcester, MA with the highest at $49,251 and New Orleans, LA with the lowest at $43,348.
  1. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  2. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  4. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  5. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  7. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. 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.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in New Orleans, LA

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

Piping Rock Health Products offers one of the highest salaries for forklift drivers, averaging around $54,200 per year. G3 Enterprises and Abbott also provide competitive pay, with averages close to $53,600 and $52,900, respectively. These companies value their forklift drivers and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $54,200 and Cameron Ashley Building Products with the lowest at $45,812.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

  1. Get additional certifications.
  2. Gain more experience.
  3. Work in high-paying industries.
  4. Take on extra responsibilities.
  5. Work overtime.

Currently 605 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.
Position
Overview
Forklift Driver
605 Job Openings