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What is a dock worker/forklift operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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The average dock worker/forklift operator salary is $42,876. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a dock worker/forklift operator. Dock worker/forklift operators with a Forklift Safety and Inspector certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDock Worker/Forklift OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,876

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.85%

Asian 2.62%

Black or African American 14.83%

Hispanic or Latino 20.60%

Unknown 4.40%

White 56.70%

Gender

female 5.54%

male 94.46%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Dock worker/forklift operator career paths

Key steps to become a dock worker/forklift operator

  1. Explore dock worker/forklift operator education requirements

    Most common dock worker/forklift operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    56.4 %

    Associate

    13.6 %

    Diploma

    13.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific dock worker/forklift operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Basic Math42.86%
    Math10.69%
    Load Trailers9.35%
    Pallets5.78%
    Work Ethic5.18%
  3. Complete relevant dock worker/forklift operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New dock worker/forklift operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a dock worker/forklift operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real dock worker/forklift operator resumes.
  4. Research dock worker/forklift operator duties and responsibilities

    • Move LTL freight from one trailer to other trailers.
    • Load and unload LTL and full truckload freight operating a forklift.
    • Load various HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT material/freight onto company trucks, utilizing forklift/pallet jack.
    • Scan and repair damaged pallets to make the necessary preparations need for a timely delivery.
  5. Prepare your dock worker/forklift operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your dock worker/forklift operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a dock worker/forklift operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable dock worker/forklift operator resume templates

    Build a professional dock worker/forklift operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your dock worker/forklift operator resume.
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
    Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Resume
  6. Apply for dock worker/forklift operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a dock worker/forklift operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first dock worker/forklift operator job

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Average dock worker/forklift operator salary

The average dock worker/forklift operator salary in the United States is $42,876 per year or $21 per hour. Dock worker/forklift operator salaries range between $38,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average dock worker/forklift operator salary
$42,876 Yearly
$20.61 hourly

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How do dock worker/forklift operators rate their job?

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Dock worker/forklift operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output

Cons

To be surcharge when there's a damage on goods through accident


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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