Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $39,199 per year in the US.

Forklift drivers play an essential role in warehouses and distribution centers. They move large items around, ensuring everything gets to the right place on time. Because of this, companies often pay them well. The average yearly salary for a forklift driver is about $39,200. However, salaries can vary based on experience and location.

Experienced forklift drivers tend to earn more. Someone with over ten years of experience might earn close to $50,000 per year. Those starting out might earn less, around $29,500 annually. The type of industry and region also affect pay. Urban areas with a high cost of living might offer higher salaries to attract workers. Meanwhile, rural areas might offer lower wages.

View Forklift Driver jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Look for Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA, where the average salary stands at $49,251. Denver, CO, offers a competitive average salary of $47,108. Sacramento, CA, also presents an attractive option with an average salary of $46,821. Fargo, ND, provides a solid earning potential with an average salary of $46,274, while Modesto, CA, boasts an average salary of $46,099. Portland, OR, and Los Angeles, CA, both offer average salaries of $45,275 and $45,165, respectively. New Orleans, LA, and Seattle, WA, present salaries around $43,865 and $43,816. Minneapolis, MN, rounds out the list with an average salary of $43,353.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Worcester, MA with the highest at $49,251 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $43,353.
  1. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,251
    Worcester offers steady opportunities for those in the logistics field. Companies like MassMutual and UMASS Memorial Health provide stable environments. Workers often enjoy benefits and a chance for growth.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  2. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $47,108
    With Denver's growing economy, forklift operators find many openings. Major employers like King Soopers and XPO Logistics offer diverse roles. The city's logistics hub status means plenty of work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,821
    Sacramento's bustling port makes it a key spot for transportation jobs. Companies like Raley’s and Walmart offer many openings. Workers benefit from a mix of warehouse and dock work.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $46,274
    Fargo’s key role in Midwest logistics offers good prospects. Companies like Walmart and Scheels All Sports provide stable work. The city’s growing business sector brings new opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $46,099
    Modesto’s strong agricultural base provides many job opportunities. Companies like C&S Wholesale Grocers and Save Mart Supermarkets hire often. Workers benefit from a mix of indoor and outdoor tasks.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $45,275
    Portland’s vibrant economy offers diverse roles. Companies like Fred Meyer and Costco provide many openings. The city’s focus on green business means more roles in eco-friendly logistics.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,165
    LA’s vast logistics sector offers abundant opportunities. Major employers like Amazon and UPS offer various roles. The city’s size ensures a steady flow of job openings.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $43,865
    New Orleans’s port activity creates many job openings. Companies like Walmart and Supervalu provide steady work. The city’s unique environment offers a mix of urban and industrial tasks.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in New Orleans, LA


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,816
    Seattle’s tech and shipping industries offer many opportunities. Companies like Amazon and Costco provide diverse roles. Workers benefit from a mix of tech-savvy and traditional logistics tasks.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,353
    Minneapolis’s strong manufacturing base offers steady work. Companies like Target and SuperValu provide many openings. The city’s focus on logistics means plenty of job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Minneapolis, MN

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

Piping Rock Health Products leads the way with an average salary of $54,200 for forklift drivers, offering competitive pay in a thriving industry. G3 Enterprises and Abbott follow closely with salaries around $53,585 and $52,693 respectively, showing a strong demand for skilled drivers. IKEA and Best Buy also provide good compensation, with average salaries around $49,000 and $48,412, making them attractive options for those seeking stable and rewarding employment.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $54,200 and Baldwin Richardson Foods with the lowest at $46,000.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $54,200
    Piping Rock Health Products offers rewarding Forklift Driver positions. They focus on health supplements and operate across the USA. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment with many opportunities for growth.


  2. G3 ENTERPRISES
    Average Salary: $53,585
    G3 ENTERPRISES provides competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They work in logistics and supply chain management with locations in major US cities. G3 values safety and employee well-being.


  3. Abbott
    Average Salary: $52,693
    Abbott offers attractive compensation for Forklift Drivers. This global health care company operates in many US locations. Abbott emphasizes teamwork and professional development.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $49,061
    IKEA provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have many stores across the US. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and opportunities for advancement.


  5. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $48,412
    Best Buy offers competitive pay for Forklift Drivers. They operate numerous electronics stores nationwide. Best Buy promotes a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.


  6. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $48,380
    Crown Holdings pays well for Forklift Driver roles. They are a global packaging company with facilities across the US. Crown values employee safety and career growth.


  7. Packaging Corporation of America
    Average Salary: $47,778
    Packaging Corporation of America provides a solid salary for Forklift Drivers. They produce packaging materials and have locations throughout the US. The company emphasizes a family-oriented culture.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,930
    Costco offers a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They run a large chain of membership warehouses. Costco is known for its employee benefits and strong company culture.


  9. I. K. Hofmann
    Average Salary: $46,850
    I. K. Hofmann pays well for Forklift Driver jobs. They operate in logistics and supply chain management across the US. The company values employee satisfaction and safety.


  10. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Baldwin Richardson Foods offers a competitive salary for Forklift Drivers. They focus on food manufacturing with locations in key US markets. The company emphasizes a safe and productive work environment.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

Becoming a skilled forklift driver can lead to earning a good income, especially if you aim to enhance your career further. Many factors contribute to earning more in this role. Focusing on these areas can increase your value to employers and potentially lead to higher pay.

Experience plays a crucial role in the salary you can earn as a forklift driver. The more time you spend on the job, the better you understand the equipment and the workplace. Experienced drivers often get more responsibilities and are seen as more reliable. Employers may offer higher wages to experienced workers. Certifications can also boost your value. Having recognized certifications shows your commitment to safety and skill. These certificates can be a big plus when applying for jobs and asking for higher pay.

Certifications, experience, and ongoing education are key. Other factors can also make a difference. Consider these tips to improve your earnings:

  1. Safety record: Keeping a clean safety record can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
  2. Specialized skills: Learning to handle different types of loads or work in specific environments can set you apart.
  3. Additional responsibilities: Taking on tasks like overseeing new hires or maintaining equipment can lead to higher wages.
  4. Location: Wages can vary by region. Working in areas with higher living costs often means higher pay.
  5. Continual learning: Staying updated with the latest forklift technologies and techniques can make you more valuable.

Currently 582 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
582 Job Openings