Experience
Industry
The estimated total pay for a Forklift Operator is $43,132 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $41,363 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated additional pay is $1,770 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing. The "Most Likely Range" represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.
How accurate does $43,132 look to you?
Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
For Forklift Operator
Download as data table
Job Title | Salary |
---|---|
Forklift Operator | $43,132 /yr |
Forklift Operator III | |
Lead Forklift Operator | $45,464 /yr |
For Forklift Operator
Some related job titles are Forklift Operator - Food Warehouse Salaries with median pay of $40,118, Machine Operator Salaries with median pay of $38,515, Material Handler Salaries with median pay of $40,554, Warehouse Associate Salaries with median pay of $36,571.
For a Forklift Operator in United States
Below is the total pay for the top 10 highest paying companies for a Forklift Operator in United States. Employers include Arch (MI), Dayton Freight and Averitt.
For Forklift Operator in United States
1 | Arch (MI) | $55,750 | |
2 | Dayton Freight | $49,506 | |
3 | Averitt | $48,507 | |
4 | ABF Freight | $48,449 | |
5 | Nestlé Purina U.S. | $48,266 | |
6 | NOV | $47,952 | |
7 | Penske Truck Leasing | $47,663 | |
8 | U-Haul | $47,641 | |
9 | Church & Dwight | $47,627 | |
10 | Sutton Transport | $47,599 |
For Forklift Operator
Download as data table
Job Title | Salary |
---|---|
Forklift Operator | $43,132 /yr |
Forklift Operator III | |
Lead Forklift Operator | $45,464 /yr |
Let’s pay it forward! The Glassdoor community relies on people like you to share accurate salary info to promote fair compensation everywhere
For a Forklift Operator in United States
The top 5 paying industries for a Forklift Operator in United States are Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $47,164, Transportation & Logistics with a median total pay of $45,883, Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services with a median total pay of $43,506, Agriculture with a median total pay of $43,476, and Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology with a median total pay of $43,379.
4% Higher than other industries
Top paying companies in Energy, Mining & Utilities for Forklift Operator are NOV, Boral, and Schneider Electric.
For forklift operator
Job Title
Location
Total Pay
Base Pay | Additional Pay
Total Years of Experience
Years at Recent Employer
Submitted
Date or Time
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 15+ years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 4-6 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 10-14 years
/yr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
United States of America
| 1-3 years
/hr
Submitted Yesterday
The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $43,132 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 19080 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Forklift Operator employees in United States.
The highest salary for a Forklift Operator in United States is $49,465 per year.
The lowest salary for a Forklift Operator in United States is $37,738 per year.
If you are thinking of becoming a Forklift Operator or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Forklift Operator.
Forklift operators are paid salaries slightly below that of other skilled workers including crane operators, millwrights, welders, cutters, plumbers, tool makers, and medical equipment repairers. Forklift operators working as apprentices earn less pay than operators who have completed the programs, and overall pay generally raises with seniority and experience. Most forklift operators work full time. Overtime or late-night shifts are typically available. Successful forklift drivers can be promoted into managerial positions.
Powered by Glassdoor Economic Research
Many forklift operators work in warehouses and other large facilities where overtime and profit sharing can bring in an average of $1,769.74 per year. Around 68% of forklift operators claim to be satisfied with their salary.
A forklift operator's total pay varies depending on the industry and region of the country. Top-earners in the forklift operator career path can earn a salary and bonuses up to $55,942.18 per year. The average operator earns about $41,363.49, while those at the start of their career are at the low end of the pay range, around $33,489.87.
Forklift operators have upward mobility within their job roles, as there are steps that can be taken to increase income. For starters, switching to a night shift and taking advantage of overtime opportunities may produce an immediate pay increase. Their value to the company can also be improved by learning to work with new types of forklift equipment and by proving they are able to handle difficult tasks and expensive inventory. Finally, many companies will reward workers who become OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks certified and may even pay for this training.
Forklift operators with an impeccable safety record and proven expertise in executing difficult forklift tasks should be in a good position to negotiate an increase in their forklift operator salary. Review the job descriptions of a senior forklift operator by reading job openings. If you meet or exceed the job requirements for a senior role, then prepare to state your case to management. Emphasize your extensive forklift experience, the types of forklifts you can operate, and your excellent safety record. If you are applying for a new position, your job interview is a great opportunity to negotiate a higher starting salary as a forklift operator.
About 67.52% of Forklift Operator professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional $1,770 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Forklift Operator in United States as a good salary.
Forklift Operator professionals in United States have a wide total pay range, between $33,490 and $55,942 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of $43,133 following the average career path of a Forklift Operator.