Post job

What is a forklift operator and receiver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
introduction image
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a forklift operator and receiver. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.09 an hour? That's $33,463 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreForklift Operator And ReceiverUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,463

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.84%

Asian 2.53%

Black or African American 15.90%

Hispanic or Latino 20.24%

Unknown 4.31%

White 56.19%

Gender

female 11.49%

male 88.51%

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

Forklift operator and receiver career paths

Key steps to become a forklift operator and receiver

  1. Explore forklift operator and receiver education requirements

    Most common forklift operator and receiver degrees

    High School Diploma

    60.9 %

    Diploma

    14.3 %

    Associate

    11.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific forklift operator and receiver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Pallets17.14%
    Shipping Receiving9.61%
    Production Lines8.60%
    Electric Pallet Jack7.55%
    Load Trucks6.14%
  3. Complete relevant forklift operator and receiver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New forklift operators and receiver 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 forklift operator and receiver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real forklift operator and receiver resumes.
  4. Research forklift operator and receiver duties and responsibilities

    • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
    • Use WMS system to take inventory in and out of warehouse.
    • Move palletize inbound/outbound freight to assign locations using WMS system
    • Rearrange and organize pallets of product in accordance to designate areas.
  5. Prepare your forklift operator and receiver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your forklift operator and receiver 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 forklift operator and receiver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable forklift operator and receiver resume templates

    Build a professional forklift operator and receiver 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 forklift operator and receiver resume.
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
    Forklift Operator And Receiver Resume
  6. Apply for forklift operator and receiver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a forklift operator and receiver 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 forklift operator and receiver job

Zippi

Are you a forklift operator and receiver?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average forklift operator and receiver salary

The average forklift operator and receiver salary in the United States is $33,463 per year or $16 per hour. Forklift operator and receiver salaries range between $27,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average forklift operator and receiver salary
$33,463 Yearly
$16.09 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do forklift operators and receiver rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Forklift operator and receiver reviews

profile
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


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Fast pace, dealing with customer service, work is always changing

Cons

Management stuck in the same position no room for growth


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Learning where the parts are for such as the refinery. Nuts and bolts are used for. Washers, flanges and pipes are connected to.

Cons

Not being able to learn where every part goes to. For instance parts that go to a furnace, train, or a converter.


Working as a forklift operator and receiver? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse transportation jobs