Highest-Paying Forklift Operator Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of forklift operators that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of forklift operators:

• Dock Worker/Forklift Operator is the highest-paid type of forklift operator with an average salary of $42,876 and an average hourly rate of $20.61.

• The second highest-paying type of forklift operator is truck operator, with an average salary of $39,608.

• The average forklift operator salary is $34,213 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.45.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a forklift operator, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of forklift operators are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of forklift operators:

1. Dock Worker/Forklift Operator

   Average Salary: $42,876

2. Truck Operator

   Average Salary: $39,608

   Truck Operators are individuals making a living by driving trucks and heavy goods vehicles such as articulated trucks, semi-trailers, and tankers. They are responsible for administering goods, loading and unloading into the truck, assessing the goods conditions, scheduling transport operations, arranging transport documentations, and inspecting vehicle conditions before starting work. Other duties include checking tires, fuel, oil filters, and oil levels. Truck Operators also supervise delivery operations, vehicle cleaning, tire maintenance, and refueling.

3. Mill Operator

   Average Salary: $39,045

   Mill operators are skilled employees who are responsible for operating and maintaining milling machines that grind materials such as rocks or chemicals at a milling facility. These operators must gather raw materials for production and assist with the inventory of all materials. They must operate a wide variety of equipment such as power saws, sanders, drill press, and basic hand tools while performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on the milling machines. Mill operators must also attend safety meetings that are held weekly and monthly to ensure machine operators are following safety procedures.

4. Operator

   Average Salary: $37,928

   Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.

5. Loader Operator

   Average Salary: $36,987

   A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. They also maintain the stability and efficiency of the engine, conduct regular maintenance, and perform repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid potential hazards and prevent operational delays. A loader operator responds to the customers’ inquiries and concerns and escalates their complaints to the management.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various forklift operator that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Forklift Operators

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published 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 create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for forklift operators.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Forklift Operator Jobs FAQs

1. 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 is $ 20.61 hourly.

2. 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, so those making at least $34,213 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average forklift operator salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a forklift operator, the average entry level salary is $30,172, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $34,213 average, as this includes all forklift operators of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Forklift Operator jobs pay well?

   No, forklift operator jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some forklift operator jobs pay better than others, but the average forklift operator salary of $34,213 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many forklift operator jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of forklift operators earning $40,465 a year on average.

   Forklift Operators’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a forklift operator. Do your research on the going rate for a forklift operator in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do forklift operators get paid the most?

   Forklift Operators get paid the most in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, forklift operators earn an average annual salary of $36,762 and an average hourly wage of $17.67.

   Following WI, the states with the highest-paid forklift operators are Nevada, North Dakota, and Minnesota, with average annual salaries of $37,779, $40,448, and $39,060 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid forklift operator salaries are:

   1. Minneapolis, MN – $39,103

   2. Tacoma, WA – $37,524

   3. Portland, OR – $36,752

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.