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What is a machine operator/forklift operator and how to become one
Machine or forklift operators specialise in warehouse transportation and drive industrial vehicles to load and unload warehouse materials. They are responsible for shipping and receiving warehouse items and transporting materials to different locations within the facility.
This requires optimizing loads to ensure operational efficiency, securing loads to machines before transportation, inspecting vehicles for damage, scheduling vehicles for maintenance and repair, and operating and managing technical equipment.
Machine or forklift operators are also often responsible for managing inventory with RF scanning equipment, picking and dropping orders for shipment, identifying workplace safety hazards, and adhering to safety standards and production schedules.
Since machine or forklift operators often move sensitive cargo, their jobs require attention to detail, precision, and steady hands. They also need strong time management skills and to be able to work well with others.
A high school diploma or GED is sufficient for this role, but job seekers may need a forklift operation certificate as well.
Machine or forklift operators typically earn $13.68 an hour, which translates to $28,460 a year. The career is expected to grow by 4% between 2018 and 2028, creating 32,600 new jobs during this timespan.
Avg. Salary $32,452
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 7%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%
Asian 2.35%
Black or African American 16.62%
Hispanic or Latino 18.53%
Unknown 4.32%
White 57.38%
Genderfemale 10.09%
male 89.91%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Machine Operator/Forklift Operator career paths
Key steps to become a machine operator/forklift operator
Explore machine operator/forklift operator education requirements
Start to develop specific machine operator/forklift operator skills
Skills Percentages Safety Standards 17.15% Drive Forklift 8.51% Load Trucks 7.68% Machine Operation 6.25% CNC 5.61% Complete relevant machine operator/forklift operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New machine operator/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 machine operator/forklift operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real machine operator/forklift operator resumes.Research machine operator/forklift operator duties and responsibilities
- Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
- Measure position of sheet with cores for evenly run product.
- Keep inventory of products being run on a daily basis.
- Support operation of rotary die cutter equipment QA testing to follow prescribe guidelines.
Prepare your machine operator/forklift operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your machine operator/forklift operator resume.
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Apply for machine operator/forklift operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a machine operator/forklift operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average machine operator/forklift operator salary
The average Machine Operator/Forklift Operator salary in the United States is $32,452 per year or $16 per hour. Machine operator/forklift operator salaries range between $26,000 and $39,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do machine operator/forklift operators rate their job?
Machine Operator/Forklift Operator reviews
Not sure if this is everywhere but where I work it's too hot in the summer to log so we get July and August off with pay. We also get a yearly bonus (around $15-$20k) at the end of the season. The work is hard but I enjoy it.
It saves time and makes work easier and enhance greater output
To be surcharge when there's a damage on goods through accident
Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time
It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job
Updated January 8, 2025
