Forklift Operator Salaries

Updated on Apr 10, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Forklift Operator make?

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $39,212 per year in the US.

If you're considering a career as a Forklift Operator, it's important to know what kind of salary you can expect. The average yearly salary for a Forklift Operator is around $39,212. This means that, on average, professionals in this role earn a solid income. The salary range can vary, with some earning as low as $29,595 and others reaching up to $54,340 or more. This range reflects the different levels of experience and the specific industries where Forklift Operators work. With experience and dedication, many operators find opportunities to increase their earnings over time. So, if you're skilled and committed, a career as a Forklift Operator can be both rewarding and financially stable.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Forklift Operator?

If you're a Forklift Operator, consider looking for jobs in Manchester, NH, where you can earn the highest average salary. Other top-paying cities include San Jose, CA, and Albany, NY. These cities offer better pay and more opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Forklift Operator jobs, highlighting Manchester, NH with the highest at $50,985 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $42,690.
  1. Manchester, NH
    Average Salary: $50,985
    In Manchester, you can find opportunities with major logistics companies. The city's growing economy offers a stable environment for warehouse work.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Manchester, NH


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $48,857
    San Jose boasts a thriving tech industry, offering numerous positions in warehouses and distribution centers. Companies like Amazon and FedEx are prominent employers.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $47,844
    Albany's central location makes it a hub for logistics. With companies such as Wegmans and Target, you can find reliable job opportunities.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Albany, NY


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $47,289
    Santa Rosa offers a mix of agricultural and industrial jobs. Companies in the area provide a steady demand for skilled operators.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $47,236
    Seattle's port and tech industries create a high demand for warehouse workers. Major employers include Costco and UPS.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $45,397
    Allentown's manufacturing sector offers many opportunities. Companies like Amazon and Staples provide stable employment.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Allentown, PA


  7. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $44,743
    Modesto's agricultural base supports a strong need for warehouse staff. Local employers include Walmart and various agricultural firms.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Modesto, CA


  8. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $44,384
    Spokane's diverse economy offers various job opportunities. Companies like Amazon and various logistics firms are hiring.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $43,840
    Minneapolis has a robust logistics sector, with companies like Target and Amazon offering many positions. The city's economy is stable and growing.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $42,690
    Portland's thriving tech and retail sectors create a high demand for warehouse staff. Companies like Costco and various local businesses are hiring.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in Portland, OR

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

If you're looking for a well-paying job as a forklift operator, consider Uline, ABF Freight, or Lexicon, Inc. These companies offer some of the best salaries in the industry. Look into these top employers to find a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Forklift Operator jobs, highlighting Uline with the highest at $60,738 and Estes Express Lines with the lowest at $51,151.
  1. Uline
    Average Salary: $60,738
    Uline offers competitive salaries for Forklift Operators. They have locations across the United States, providing many opportunities for career growth and advancement.


  2. ABF Freight
    Average Salary: $55,613
    ABF Freight provides a solid salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in multiple states, offering various job opportunities and a strong company culture.


  3. Lexicon, Inc.
    Average Salary: $54,667
    Lexicon, Inc. pays well for Forklift Operators. They have locations in several states, ensuring a variety of job opportunities and a supportive work environment.


  4. Church & Dwight Co.
    Average Salary: $53,777
    Church & Dwight Co. offers a good salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in multiple locations, providing a stable and rewarding work environment.


  5. Sierra Pacific Industries
    Average Salary: $52,987
    Sierra Pacific Industries provides a competitive salary for Forklift Operators. They have locations in several states, offering a variety of job opportunities and a strong company culture.


  6. Midwest Motor Express, Inc.
    Average Salary: $52,264
    Midwest Motor Express, Inc. offers a solid salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in multiple states, providing many opportunities for career growth and advancement.


  7. RAY-MONT LOGISTICS
    Average Salary: $51,950
    RAY-MONT LOGISTICS provides a good salary for Forklift Operators. They have locations in several states, offering a variety of job opportunities and a supportive work environment.


  8. Nestlé Purina
    Average Salary: $51,691
    Nestlé Purina offers a competitive salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in multiple locations, providing a stable and rewarding work environment.


  9. MENDOCINO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC
    Average Salary: $51,395
    MENDOCINO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY, LLC provides a good salary for Forklift Operators. They have locations in several states, offering a variety of job opportunities and a strong company culture.


  10. Estes Express Lines
    Average Salary: $51,151
    Estes Express Lines offers a solid salary for Forklift Operators. They operate in multiple states, providing many opportunities for career growth and advancement.

How to earn more as a Forklift Operator?

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Currently 4,251 Forklift Operator job openings, nationwide!

How's the job market for a Forklift Operator in the US?

Learn what a Forklift Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Forklift Operator today.
Position
Overview
Forklift Operator
4,251 Job Openings