Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Driver make?

The average salary for a Forklift Driver is $38,899 per year in the US.

Forklift drivers play a key role in many industries, from manufacturing to logistics. They earn a solid salary that reflects their important work. The average yearly salary for a forklift driver is around $38,899. This means that, on average, forklift drivers make a good living.

Salary for forklift drivers can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience often earn more. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $29,500
  • Mid-level: $37,707
  • Senior-level: $45,915
Location also plays a big role. Some areas pay more than others. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living often offer higher salaries.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Driver?

Job seekers looking for high-paying forklift driver positions should consider cities like Worcester, MA, and Sacramento, CA. These cities offer some of the best salaries for forklift drivers, with Worcester topping the list at $49,050 per year. Sacramento follows closely with an average salary of $46,669 annually. Other cities with strong salaries include Denver, CO, Fargo, ND, and Portland, OR. Denver offers $45,288, Fargo $45,268, and Portland $44,943. These cities provide competitive wages and opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Worcester, MA with the highest at $49,050 and Cedar Rapids, IA with the lowest at $42,500.
  1. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,050
    In Worcester, MA, operating a forklift offers a stable career with good pay. Companies like MassMutual and UMASS Memorial Health provide many job opportunities. The city's growing industries make it a great place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Worcester, MA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $46,669
    Sacramento, CA, is a bustling city with many forklift jobs. Companies like Raley's and Blue Shield of California need skilled drivers. The city's diverse economy offers many opportunities for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $45,288
    Denver, CO, has a thriving job market for forklift drivers. With companies like King Soopers and Xcel Energy, there are many opportunities. The city's vibrant economy makes it a great place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Fargo, ND
    Average Salary: $45,268
    Fargo, ND, offers a steady job market for forklift drivers. Companies like Walmart and Target provide many opportunities. The city's growing industries make it a good place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Fargo, ND


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $44,943
    Portland, OR, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. Companies like Fred Meyer and Costco offer many job openings. The city's diverse economy provides many opportunities for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $44,610
    Los Angeles, CA, is a major hub for forklift jobs. Companies like Amazon and UPS need skilled drivers. The city's large industries offer many opportunities for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,898
    Minneapolis, MN, offers a stable job market for forklift drivers. Companies like Target and Cargill provide many opportunities. The city's growing industries make it a great place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,816
    Seattle, WA, has a strong demand for forklift drivers. Companies like Amazon and Costco offer many job openings. The city's diverse economy provides many opportunities for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $42,736
    Las Vegas, NV, offers a vibrant job market for forklift drivers. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment need skilled drivers. The city's growing industries make it a good place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  10. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $42,500
    Cedar Rapids, IA, has a steady job market for forklift drivers. Companies like Rockwell Collins and Hy-Vee provide many opportunities. The city's diverse industries make it a good place for forklift operators.
    Find Forklift Driver jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

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

Piping Rock Health Products offers one of the highest salaries for forklift drivers, with an average of $53,969. G3 Enterprises and Abbott also provide competitive pay, with averages of $53,504 and $51,858, respectively. These companies recognize the value of skilled forklift drivers and reward them with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Driver jobs, highlighting Piping Rock Health Products with the highest at $53,969 and Cameron Ashley Building Products with the lowest at $45,400.
  1. Piping Rock Health Products
    Average Salary: $53,969
    Piping Rock Health Products offers competitive salaries for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations, including the USA and Canada. The company focuses on health and wellness products, requiring efficient handling and transportation.


  2. G3 ENTERPRISES
    Average Salary: $53,504
    G3 ENTERPRISES provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in the USA and Europe. The company specializes in logistics and transportation, needing skilled drivers to manage their operations.


  3. Abbott
    Average Salary: $51,858
    Abbott offers a solid salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in many locations worldwide, focusing on health care products. The company requires skilled drivers to handle their extensive inventory efficiently.


  4. IKEA
    Average Salary: $48,829
    IKEA provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in many countries, including the USA and Europe. The company needs skilled drivers to manage their large inventory and ensure smooth operations.


  5. Crown Holdings
    Average Salary: $48,003
    Crown Holdings offers a competitive salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in various locations worldwide, focusing on packaging solutions. The company requires skilled drivers to handle their products efficiently.


  6. Packaging Corporation of America
    Average Salary: $47,413
    Packaging Corporation of America provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in the USA and Canada. The company specializes in packaging solutions and needs skilled drivers to manage their inventory.


  7. Best Buy
    Average Salary: $47,185
    Best Buy offers a solid salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in the USA and Canada. The company focuses on electronics and appliances, requiring skilled drivers to handle their inventory efficiently.


  8. Costco Wholesale
    Average Salary: $46,918
    Costco Wholesale provides a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in the USA and Canada. The company specializes in wholesale products, needing skilled drivers to manage their inventory.


  9. Baldwin Richardson Foods
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Baldwin Richardson Foods offers a competitive salary for Forklift Drivers. They operate in the USA, focusing on food products. The company requires skilled drivers to handle their inventory efficiently.


  10. Cameron Ashley Building Products
    Average Salary: $45,400
    Cameron Ashley Building Products offers a good salary for Forklift Drivers. They have locations in the USA and Canada. The company specializes in building products, needing skilled drivers to manage their inventory.

How to earn more as a Forklift Driver?

Becoming a skilled forklift driver can lead to a rewarding career with good earning potential. To maximize your earnings, consider these key factors:

  • Experience: Gaining experience in different industries can increase your value. Employers often pay more for drivers with a proven track record.
  • Certifications: Obtaining forklift operator certifications can boost your pay. Certifications show you have the skills needed to operate safely and efficiently.
  • Location: Wages can vary by region. Working in areas with higher living costs often means higher pay.
  • Specialization: Specializing in certain types of forklifts or materials can make you more in-demand. This can lead to higher wages.
  • Night and Weekend Work: Working outside of regular hours can come with higher pay rates. This can be a good way to increase your earnings.

Focusing on these areas can help forklift drivers earn more. Building experience, getting certified, and being flexible with your schedule can all lead to better-paying opportunities. Always look for ways to improve your skills and stay updated on industry trends.

Currently 921 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
921 Job Openings