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Dock worker/forklift operator salary
Average dock worker/forklift operator salary
$42,876
Average Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Salary
The average salary for a Dock Worker/Forklift Operator is $42,876 per year, or about $21 per hour. This role is crucial in the logistics and warehousing sectors, involving the safe and efficient movement of goods. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific employer.
How Much Does a Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Make?
Entry-level dock workers typically start at lower salary ranges, while those with more experience can earn significantly more. For example, individuals with several years in the field may see salaries exceeding $50,000 per year, especially in high-demand regions.
Where Can Dock Workers/Forklift Operators Earn More?
Some states and cities offer higher salaries for dock workers. For instance, locations with higher living costs or greater industry demand often provide better pay. Researching these areas can help job seekers identify the best opportunities available.
Average Dock Worker/Forklift Operator Salary by State
- California: $47,000
- New York: $45,000
- Texas: $40,000
These figures illustrate the potential for competitive compensation in various states, making it essential for job seekers to consider geographic factors in their job search.
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Where can a Dock Worker/Forklift Operator earn more?
Dock worker/forklift operator salaries by experience level
Average dock worker/forklift operator salary by state
The highest-paying states for dock worker/forklift operators are Hawaii, Alaska, and Utah. The lowest average dock worker/forklift operator salary states are Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Hampshire.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for dock worker/forklift operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah | $47,527 | $22.85 |
| 2 | South Dakota | $45,185 | $21.72 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $45,526 | $21.89 |
| 4 | Missouri | $44,461 | $21.38 |
| 5 | Alaska | $47,951 | $23.05 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $45,185 | $21.72 |
| 8 | Colorado | $46,727 | $22.46 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $46,960 | $22.58 |
| 10 | California | $46,721 | $22.46 |
| 11 | Kansas | $45,006 | $21.64 |
| 12 | Louisiana | $44,177 | $21.24 |
| 13 | District of Columbia | $48,187 | $23.17 |
| 14 | Hawaii | $49,174 | $23.64 |
| 15 | Nevada | $44,581 | $21.43 |
| 16 | Georgia | $43,266 | $20.80 |
| 17 | Iowa | $44,117 | $21.21 |
| 18 | Kentucky | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $42,324 | $20.35 |
| 20 | New Mexico | $43,819 | $21.07 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $43,852 | $21.08 |
| 22 | Oregon | $43,576 | $20.95 |
| 23 | Minnesota | $44,808 | $21.54 |
| 24 | Ohio | $43,139 | $20.74 |
| 25 | Arizona | $44,906 | $21.59 |
| 26 | Washington | $43,522 | $20.92 |
| 27 | New Jersey | $44,232 | $21.27 |
| 28 | Virginia | $43,875 | $21.09 |
| 29 | West Virginia | $41,035 | $19.73 |
| 30 | Indiana | $42,885 | $20.62 |
| 31 | Alabama | $42,350 | $20.36 |
| 32 | Massachusetts | $43,363 | $20.85 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $41,830 | $20.11 |
| 34 | Delaware | $43,135 | $20.74 |
| 35 | Pennsylvania | $42,789 | $20.57 |
| 36 | Florida | $42,628 | $20.49 |
| 37 | Illinois | $43,139 | $20.74 |
| 38 | New York | $44,142 | $21.22 |
| 39 | Maine | $43,367 | $20.85 |
| 40 | Maryland | $44,171 | $21.24 |
| 41 | Texas | $41,127 | $19.77 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $39,000 | $18.75 |
| 43 | Michigan | $42,179 | $20.28 |
| 44 | Arkansas | $41,208 | $19.81 |
| 45 | New Hampshire | $38,636 | $18.57 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $40,197 | $19.33 |
| 47 | North Carolina | $37,161 | $17.87 |
| 48 | Connecticut | $40,371 | $19.41 |
| 49 | Idaho | $38,620 | $18.57 |
| 50 | Montana | $41,206 | $19.81 |
| 51 | Vermont | $38,230 | $18.38 |
Highest paying cities for dock worker/forklift operators
The highest-paying cities for dock worker/forklift operators are Denver, CO, Fargo, ND, and Wichita, KS.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver, CO | $46,732 | $22.47 |
| 2 | Fargo, ND | $46,311 | $22.26 |
| 3 | Wichita, KS | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| 4 | Roseville, MN | $44,824 | $21.55 |
| 5 | Columbia, MO | $44,469 | $21.38 |
| 6 | Sioux City, IA | $44,119 | $21.21 |
| 7 | Neenah, WI | $43,846 | $21.08 |
| 8 | Bowling Green, KY | $43,588 | $20.96 |
| 9 | Mentor, OH | $43,249 | $20.79 |
| 10 | Rockford, IL | $43,195 | $20.77 |
| 11 | Indianapolis, IN | $42,864 | $20.61 |
| 12 | Altoona, PA | $42,773 | $20.56 |
| 13 | Kingsport, TN | $42,393 | $20.38 |
| 14 | Warren, MI | $42,205 | $20.29 |
| 15 | Omaha, NE | $41,853 | $20.12 |
| 16 | Charlotte, NC | $37,155 | $17.86 |
Dock worker/forklift operator salary details
A dock worker/forklift operator's salary ranges from $38,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $47,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a dock worker/forklift operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $47,000 | $3,917 | $23 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| Average | $42,876 | $3,573 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| 10th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
Highest paying dock worker/forklift operator jobs
The highest paying types of dock worker/forklift operators are terminal operator, mill operator, and grinder operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver/Warehouse Worker | $35,198 | $2,933 | $16.92 | 310,383 |
| Driver/Material Handler | $36,219 | $3,018 | $17.41 | 198,718 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Forklift | $32,015 | $2,668 | $15.39 | 113,257 |
| Warehouse Machine Operator | $33,796 | $2,816 | $16.25 | 229,051 |
| Reach Truck Operator | $34,625 | $2,885 | $16.65 | 137,300 |
Top companies hiring dock worker/forklift operators now:
Which companies pay dock worker/forklift operators the most?
Dock worker/forklift operator salaries at Career Company in Silicon Valley and CrossCountry Freight Solutions are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average dock worker/forklift operator salary at companies like Holland and Dayton Freight are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Career Company in Silicon Valley | $43,256 | $20.80 |
| 2 | CrossCountry Freight Solutions | $42,789 | $20.57 |
| 3 | Holland | $42,420 | $20.39 |
| 4 | Dayton Freight | $42,182 | $20.28 |
| 5 | ArcBest | $41,512 | $19.96 |
| 6 | Randstad North America, Inc. | $40,092 | $19.27 |
| 7 | YRC Freight | $38,175 | $18.35 |
| 8 | Allegiance Staffing | $36,131 | $17.37 |
| 9 | Old Dominion Freight Line | $35,627 | $17.13 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Dock worker/forklift operator salary trends
The average dock worker/forklift operator salary has risen by $8,619 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average dock worker/forklift operator earned $34,257 annually, but today, they earn $42,876 a year. That works out to a 16% change in pay for dock worker/forklift operators over the last decade.
Compare dock worker/forklift operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average dock worker/forklift operator salary over time
Compare dock worker/forklift operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Dock worker/forklift operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,900 | $20.61 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $41,300 | $19.87 | +4.0% |
| 2023 | $39,700 | $19.07 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $38,400 | $18.46 | +3.5% |
| 2021 | $37,100 | $17.81 | +1.1% |
Recently added dock worker/forklift operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Freight | Dock Worker Forklift Operator/Customer Service Representative | Norway, MI | 06/27/2025 | $48,731 |
| Part-Time Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | 4Am-9Am: Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Saint Cloud, MN | 06/27/2025 | $48,731 |
| Dayton Freight | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Cedar Rapids, IA | 06/19/2025 | $48,731 |
| Part-Time Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Cedar Rapids, IA | 06/19/2025 | $48,731 |
| Arcbest | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Elmira, NY | 06/18/2025 | $37,044 |
| ABF Freight | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Elmira, NY | 06/18/2025 | $37,044 |
| Dayton Freight | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Greenwood, IN | 06/13/2025 | $48,731 |
| Dayton Freight | 1AM-6AM: Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Des Plaines, IL | 06/11/2025 | $48,731 |
| Arcbest | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator | Minneapolis, MN | 06/10/2025 | $37,044 |
| Area Temps, Inc. | Dock Worker/Forklift Operator-2 Needed | Berea, OH | 06/10/2025 | $39,653 |
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