Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $39,251 per year in the US.

Forklift drivers play a key role in many industries, handling the movement of goods in warehouses and factories. They earn an average yearly salary of $39,251. This figure shows that this job can be a stable choice for those seeking employment. Here is a look at how salaries break down:


Forklift drivers' earnings vary across different experience levels and industries. Here are some of the average salaries:

  • Beginners: $29,002
  • Experienced: $33,456
  • Advanced: $40,138
  • Seniors: $44,592
  • Top earners: $53,500

Many factors affect salaries, such as location, company size, and the specific industry. Some forklift drivers may also earn bonuses or additional pay for working overtime.

View Forklift Driver jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Denver, CO, offers the highest average salary for forklift drivers, making it an attractive city for those in the field. Earning over $46,000 a year, job seekers can expect good opportunities and a strong demand for skilled workers. Fargo, ND, follows closely with an average salary just under $47,000, providing another excellent location for forklift drivers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Denver, CO with the highest at $46,973 and Fresno, CA with the lowest at $43,724.
  1. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $46,973
    In Denver, the lively atmosphere makes for dynamic work environments. Companies like XPO Logistics and Swift Transportation offer many opportunities. Denver’s growing business scene drives demand for skilled drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  2. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $46,530
    Fargo offers a stable job market for those in the logistics industry. With companies such as Hy-Vee and Agway, job seekers find good opportunities. The city’s growing retail sector supports steady demand for drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  3. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,374
    Sacramento provides a mix of urban and suburban opportunities. Companies such as Walmart and Target need skilled operators. The city’s diverse economy supports a steady need for trained drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  4. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $45,628
    Modesto is known for its agriculture industry. With companies like Dole and Sunsweet, there are many jobs available. The city’s focus on farming creates a constant need for reliable drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,458
    Los Angeles offers a bustling job market for drivers. Companies like Amazon and UPS provide many positions. The city’s size and diversity lead to a high demand for skilled workers in logistics.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $44,844
    Portland has a vibrant job market for those in the logistics field. With companies such as Costco and Schnitzer Steel, there are numerous opportunities. The city’s unique market supports a steady need for qualified drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $44,403
    San Diego offers a dynamic environment for logistics jobs. Companies like FedEx and Albertsons need skilled operators. The city’s diverse industries ensure a steady demand for trained drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $43,951
    St. Louis provides a stable job market for those in logistics. Companies like Enterprise and Enterprise Holdings offer many opportunities. The city’s focus on manufacturing drives demand for skilled drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in St. Louis, MO


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $43,919
    Las Vegas offers a bustling job market for drivers. With companies like Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, there are many positions available. The city’s diverse economy supports a high demand for skilled workers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $43,724
    Fresno is known for its agriculture industry. Companies such as Raley's and Save Mart offer many jobs. The city’s farming focus creates a constant need for reliable drivers.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fresno, CA

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

Piping Rock Health Products leads the way with the highest average salary for forklift drivers at $53,360. Abbott and lululemon also offer competitive wages, with averages of $52,124 and $50,783, respectively. Companies like IKEA, Best Buy, and Crown Holdings provide solid salaries in the mid-to-high $40,000 range, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $53,360 and Packaging Corporation of America with the lowest at $45,842.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $53,360
    Piping Rock Health Products offers rewarding Forklift Driver positions. They operate in various locations across the country, including their headquarters in New York and distribution centers in Florida and California. This company provides a dynamic environment for drivers to manage and transport health products efficiently.


  2. Abbott
    Average Salary: $52,124
    Abbott values skilled Forklift Drivers to manage their extensive product lines. With facilities in Illinois, California, and Texas, Abbott offers a stable and supportive work environment. Drivers here play a crucial role in ensuring product delivery across multiple sites.


  3. lululemon
    Average Salary: $50,783
    At lululemon, Forklift Drivers contribute to the smooth operation of their nationwide stores. They work in key areas including California, Colorado, and Washington. lululemon provides a vibrant workplace where forklift drivers handle inventory for athletic apparel.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $49,123
    IKEA is known for its well-organized warehouses. Forklift Drivers at IKEA manage inventory across multiple states, including New York, California, and Texas. Their role involves ensuring that products are ready for customers efficiently and safely.


  5. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $48,525
    Best Buy offers exciting Forklift Driver roles in their electronics warehouses. They operate in various locations like Minnesota, New York, and California. Drivers here manage large shipments of consumer electronics, playing a key part in the supply chain.


  6. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $48,311
    Crown Holdings provides opportunities for Forklift Drivers to manage industrial packaging. They have facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. Drivers here handle materials crucial for the production of packaging products.


  7. I. K. Hofmann
    Average Salary: $46,970
    I. K. Hofmann offers diverse Forklift Driver positions. They operate in locations such as California, Texas, and New York. Drivers here manage a variety of materials, contributing to the company’s logistics operations.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,951
    Costco Wholesale employs Forklift Drivers to manage their large warehouses. They have significant operations in Washington, California, and Colorado. Drivers handle large quantities of bulk goods, ensuring timely inventory updates.


  9. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $45,889
    Baldwin Richardson Foods offers Forklift Driver jobs in their food processing plants. They operate in key locations such as Ohio and California. Drivers manage food products, ensuring timely delivery across the supply chain.


  10. Packaging Corporation of America
    Average Salary: $45,842
    Packaging Corporation of America provides Forklift Driver roles in their manufacturing facilities. They have operations in Illinois, Texas, and California. Drivers here manage packaging materials, playing a key role in production efficiency.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

Becoming a top-earning forklift driver involves more than just operating the machine. To earn more, consider improving specific skills and knowledge areas. These can boost job performance and lead to higher pay.

Investing in certifications can significantly enhance earning potential. Obtaining advanced forklift certifications allows drivers to operate larger or more complex forklifts, opening up higher-paying job opportunities. Companies often reward certified drivers with higher wages. Training in specialized areas, such as warehouse management or logistics, can also lead to increased responsibilities and higher salaries. Keeping current with safety regulations ensures compliance and can make a driver more valuable to employers. Continuous learning and skill upgrades help drivers stay competitive and earn more over time.

Experience and dedication play a vital role in increasing earnings. Working diligently and building a solid work history can lead to promotions and higher-paying positions. Demonstrating reliability and a strong work ethic can make a forklift driver stand out. Networking with industry professionals and seeking out job opportunities in high-demand areas can also result in better pay. Strategic career moves, like transferring to companies with higher salary scales, can further boost income. By focusing on these areas, forklift drivers can earn more and advance their careers.

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

  1. Obtain advanced certifications
  2. Pursue specialized training
  3. Stay updated with safety regulations
  4. Gain experience and demonstrate reliability
  5. Seek out higher-paying job opportunities

Currently 1,309 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
1,309 Job Openings