Research Summary. Utilizing a blend of government and company data, alongside information from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has derived average salary estimates for forklift operator positions across the United States. This data set highlights the highest-paid types of forklift operators based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings on the highest-paying forklift operator roles:
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Dock Worker/Forklift Operator tops the list with an average salary of $42,876 and an hourly rate of $20.61.
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The second highest-paying forklift operator role is the Truck Operator, which boasts an average salary of $39,608.
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The average salary for forklift operators is now $34,213 annually, equating to an hourly wage of $16.45.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process. If you’re considering a career as a forklift operator, understanding the highest-paid positions can help you strategize your career advancement.
The following are the top salaries for various forklift operator roles:
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Dock Worker/Forklift Operator
Average Salary: $42,876
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Truck Operator
Average Salary: $39,608
Truck Operators are responsible for driving trucks and heavy goods vehicles, including articulated trucks and semi-trailers. Their duties encompass administering goods, managing loading and unloading processes, assessing the condition of goods, scheduling transport operations, and ensuring vehicle safety through regular inspections and maintenance.
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Mill Operator
Average Salary: $39,045
Mill Operators are tasked with operating and maintaining milling machines that process materials such as rocks and chemicals. They gather raw materials for production, handle inventory, and perform maintenance on equipment while adhering to safety protocols.
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Operator
Average Salary: $37,928
Operators manage industrial machines and are responsible for their maintenance and troubleshooting. They must exhibit attention to detail and adhere to safety regulations.
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Loader Operator
Average Salary: $36,987
Loader Operators operate heavy vehicles to transport goods. They ensure timely deliveries and maintain the equipment to avoid operational delays.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average salaries for various forklift operator roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Forklift Operators
Methodology
Zippia compiles publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to generate its salary estimates.
The data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for the latest salary information pertaining to forklift operators.
Once the data is gathered, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title under consideration. For more details on our salary estimates, refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Forklift Operator Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid forklift operator job?
The highest-paid forklift operator job is a dock worker/forklift operator. Dock Worker/Forklift Operators earn an average salary of $42,876, which translates to $20.61 per hour.
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What is a good salary for a forklift operator?
A good salary for a forklift operator is $34,213 or more. The average forklift operator salary is $34,213, indicating that those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average pay.
However, remember that this average can vary widely based on location, as companies adjust salaries according to the cost of living. Research the average salary in your area for someone with your level of experience to better understand your compensation.
If you’re entering the field, the average starting salary is around $30,172, so don’t let the average of $34,213 sway your expectations too much.
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Do forklift operator jobs pay well?
Forklift operator jobs have varying pay scales. While some positions offer better compensation than others, the average salary of $34,213 is lower than the national average of about $44,225 per year.
That said, many forklift operator jobs present significant earning potential, particularly for the top 10% who earn an average of $40,465 annually.
Forklift operators’ salaries can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s crucial to research the going rates in your area and negotiate accordingly.
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Where do forklift operators get paid the most?
Forklift operators earn the highest salaries in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, the average annual salary for forklift operators is $36,762, with an hourly wage of $17.67.
The states following Wisconsin with the highest-paid forklift operators are Nevada, North Dakota, and Minnesota, each offering competitive average salaries.
The cities with the most lucrative forklift operator salaries include:
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Minneapolis, MN – $39,103
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Tacoma, WA – $37,524
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Portland, OR – $36,752
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
