Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $39,366 per year in the US.

The role of a Forklift Driver is essential in many industries. These professionals help move goods around warehouses and factories, and their work is very important. On average, Forklift Drivers make around $39,366 each year. This means they earn a steady income that can support a family.

For those just starting, salaries may be lower. The lowest 10 percent of drivers earn about $29,180 a year. As drivers gain more experience, they can earn more. The top 10 percent earn up to $53,673 annually. This increase shows that experience and skill can lead to higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Denver, Colorado, stands out with the highest average salary for forklift drivers at $46,995 per year. This makes it an attractive place for job seekers aiming for better compensation in this field. Fargo, North Dakota, and Sacramento, California, follow closely behind, offering competitive salaries as well.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Denver, CO with the highest at $46,995 and Las Vegas, NV with the lowest at $44,003.
  1. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $46,995
    In Denver, skilled drivers find plenty of opportunities with major companies like XPO Logistics and Brink's, Inc. The city's active trade and commerce create a steady demand for professionals in logistics.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  2. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $46,328
    Fargo offers a dynamic environment for driving enthusiasts. With companies like Americold and United Parcel Service (UPS), the city provides stable job prospects. The local market values experienced drivers for their efficiency.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,299
    Sacramento is a bustling city with ample job openings in logistics. Companies such as FedEx and DHL Express offer rewarding positions. The warm climate makes for comfortable working conditions year-round.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $45,901
    Modesto has a strong job market for those in the logistics field. Key employers include C.H. Robinson and Penske Logistics. The city's growing economy supports a wide range of career opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $45,711
    San Diego offers a vibrant atmosphere with companies like GXO Logistics and Schneider. The city's diverse industries, including shipping and retail, ensure a steady need for skilled drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,568
    Los Angeles is home to numerous job openings for transportation professionals. Companies like Amazon and UPS provide extensive career opportunities. The city’s expansive port facilitates a bustling logistics sector.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $44,589
    Portland boasts a supportive environment for logistics careers. Employers such as Sysco and ArcBest offer promising positions. The city’s commitment to sustainability enhances the importance of efficient transportation.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  8. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $44,127
    St. Louis has a thriving job market with companies like Swift Transportation and Ameriprise Financial. The city’s strategic location supports a robust logistics industry, providing numerous job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in St. Louis, MO


  9. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $44,052
    Fresno offers a variety of job prospects in logistics. Companies such as JB Hunt Transport Services and C.R. England are key players. The city’s agriculture sector creates a steady demand for transportation services.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fresno, CA


  10. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $44,003
    Las Vegas is a city with a dynamic job market for logistics professionals. Companies like Knight-Swift Transportation and Yellow Corporation offer many opportunities. The city’s entertainment industry adds to the demand for efficient transportation.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Las Vegas, NV

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

Looking for a high-paying job as a Forklift Driver? Piping Rock Health Products offers one of the top salaries at $53,083. Following closely, Abbott pays $52,218. Both companies provide great benefits and growth opportunities. Abbott and lululemon also stand out with competitive salaries and positive workplace environments.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $53,083 and Baldwin Richardson Foods with the lowest at $45,813.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $53,083
    Piping Rock Health Products offers exciting opportunities for Forklift Drivers. They have facilities across the U.S., with major locations in New Jersey, California, and Florida. Here, Forklift Drivers play a key role in managing inventory and ensuring timely delivery of products.


  2. Abbott
    Average Salary: $52,218
    Abbott provides a dynamic environment for Forklift Drivers. With headquarters in Illinois and additional locations in Texas and California, Abbott values the critical role of Forklift Drivers in its operations. They ensure the smooth movement of goods within their facilities.


  3. lululemon
    Average Salary: $49,946
    At lululemon, Forklift Drivers are essential for managing inventory and ensuring efficient stock movement. The company operates in key locations like California, Washington, and New York. Forklift Drivers here contribute to maintaining the smooth flow of products.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $48,963
    IKEA offers rewarding roles for Forklift Drivers. With many stores across the U.S., including major locations in California, New York, and Texas, IKEA needs skilled drivers to manage large product loads. Forklift Drivers help keep the store stocked and well-organized.


  5. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $48,525
    Best Buy provides a dynamic workplace for Forklift Drivers. They have numerous locations across the country, including major hubs in California, Texas, and New York. Here, Forklift Drivers ensure the timely delivery of electronics and other products.


  6. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $48,399
    Crown Holdings offers stable positions for Forklift Drivers. They operate in several locations across the U.S., with key facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. Forklift Drivers here are crucial for managing the movement of materials within the plants.


  7. I. K. Hofmann
    Average Salary: $48,005
    I. K. Hofmann provides solid opportunities for Forklift Drivers. With facilities across the U.S., including major locations in California, Texas, and Florida, I. K. Hofmann relies on skilled drivers to manage inventory and ensure efficient product movement.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,951
    Costco Wholesale offers rewarding roles for Forklift Drivers. They have many stores across the country, with significant locations in California, Washington, and New York. Here, Forklift Drivers play a key role in managing inventory and ensuring a smooth shopping experience.


  9. International Paper
    Average Salary: $45,846
    International Paper provides stable positions for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations, including major facilities in Georgia, South Carolina, and California. Forklift Drivers here are essential for managing the movement of raw materials and finished products.


  10. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $45,813
    Baldwin Richardson Foods offers opportunities for Forklift Drivers. With key locations in Pennsylvania and California, the company relies on skilled drivers to manage inventory and ensure efficient product movement. Forklift Drivers here help keep the supply chain running smoothly.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

A Forklift Driver can increase earnings through several methods. One way is to gain experience. With more time on the job, a driver can handle tasks faster and more efficiently, leading to higher productivity. Another method is to become certified. Certification can open up more job opportunities and often comes with higher pay. It also helps to take on more shifts or work overtime when available. Each additional hour can add to the earnings. Further, learning to operate different types of forklifts can make a driver more versatile and desirable to employers. Lastly, maintaining a good work record can lead to bonuses and promotions.

For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on a few key areas can make a big difference. The following factors can lead to higher pay:

  1. Gain experience and increase productivity
  2. Get certified in forklift operation
  3. Work overtime or additional shifts
  4. Learn to operate different types of forklifts
  5. Keep a good work record for bonuses and promotions

Currently 1,265 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
1,265 Job Openings