Material Handler/Forklift Operator Education Requirements And Courses

Material handler/forklift operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, material handler/forklift operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for material handler/forklift operators is high school diploma with 59% graduates, with only 15% material handler/forklift operator graduates earning diploma. Material handler/forklift operators who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Phoenix or DeVry University. Some good skills to have in this position include pallets, safety procedures and electric pallet jack.

Popular material handler/forklift operator certifications include Forklift Safety and Inspector, Commercial Driver License (CDL), or OSHA Safety Certificate . To improve material handler/forklift operator qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in material handler/forklift operator education paths.

What education do you need to become a material handler/forklift operator?

What degree do you need to be a material handler/forklift operator?

The most common degree for material handler/forklift operators is high school diploma, with 59% of material handler/forklift operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are diploma degree at 15% and diploma degree at 13%.

High School Diploma, 59%

Diploma, 15%

Associate, 13%

Bachelor's, 7%

Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a material handler/forklift operator?

You should major in business to become a material handler/forklift operator. 23% of material handler/forklift operators major in business. Other common majors for a material handler/forklift operator include general studies and criminal justice.

Business, 23%

General Studies, 16%

Criminal Justice, 9%

Automotive Technology, 7%

Other Majors, 45%

Best majors for material handler/forklift operators

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	23.1%
2	General Studies	15.6%
3	Criminal Justice	8.6%
4	Automotive Technology	6.8%
5	Computer Science	5.5%

Show more common material handler/forklift operator majors

20 best online courses for material handler/forklift operators

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1. Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer Experience

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Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...

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In-depth guided tour to the Angular Material component library (in Angular 16)...

Average material handler/forklift operator salary by education level

Material handler/forklift operators with a Associate degree earn more than those without, at $37,527 annually. With a High School Diploma degree, material handler/forklift operators earn a median annual income of $36,760 compared to $36,689 for material handler/forklift operators with an Bachelor's degree.

Material handler/forklift operator education level	Material handler/forklift operator salary
High School Diploma or Less	$36,760
Bachelor's Degree	$36,689
Some College/ Associate Degree	$37,527