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Cherry picker operator salary
Average cherry picker operator salary
$16.32
Understanding Salary Trends for Cherry Picker Operators
As of October 2025, the average salary for Cherry Picker Operators in the United States is approximately $33,956 per year, translating to roughly $16.32 per hour. Salary levels can vary significantly based on factors like geographic location, industry, and years of experience.
For instance, states such as California and Texas often provide higher wages due to the concentration of warehouses and distribution centers. Additionally, individuals with more experience tend to command better compensation packages, highlighting the value of skill development in this field.
Cherry Picker Operators are in demand across various sectors, including retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Many employers seek candidates who are not only proficient in operating cherry pickers but also possess strong safety records. Job seekers can enhance their prospects by obtaining certifications relevant to warehouse equipment operation.
To maximize earning potential, consider exploring job openings in higher-paying states or industries. Utilize resources like Zippia to access job listings and salary insights tailored to your career goals.
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Where can a Cherry Picker Operator earn more?
Cherry picker operator salaries by experience level
Cherry picker operator salary estimates from across the web
Average cherry picker operator salary by state
The average cherry picker operator salary in Hawaii, Alaska, and Maine are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average cherry picker operator salary states are Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for cherry picker operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $39,955 | $19.21 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $38,670 | $18.59 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $38,040 | $18.29 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $36,564 | $17.58 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | $35,712 | $17.17 |
| 6 | Nevada | $36,177 | $17.39 |
| 7 | Maine | $38,831 | $18.67 |
| 8 | Arizona | $36,509 | $17.55 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $37,095 | $17.83 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $40,168 | $19.31 |
| 11 | Utah | $36,782 | $17.68 |
| 12 | Kentucky | $33,868 | $16.28 |
| 13 | Washington | $38,045 | $18.29 |
| 14 | Ohio | $34,532 | $16.60 |
| 15 | Idaho | $36,225 | $17.42 |
| 16 | Wyoming | $37,052 | $17.81 |
| 17 | New Jersey | $35,741 | $17.18 |
| 18 | Oregon | $36,490 | $17.54 |
| 19 | Indiana | $33,170 | $15.95 |
| 20 | Colorado | $37,353 | $17.96 |
| 21 | Illinois | $35,359 | $17.00 |
| 22 | District of Columbia | $37,629 | $18.09 |
| 23 | South Dakota | $35,305 | $16.97 |
| 24 | California | $36,124 | $17.37 |
| 25 | Missouri | $33,942 | $16.32 |
| 26 | Michigan | $32,349 | $15.55 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $31,770 | $15.27 |
| 28 | Maryland | $34,643 | $16.66 |
| 29 | Georgia | $32,591 | $15.67 |
| 30 | Iowa | $31,985 | $15.38 |
| 31 | New Mexico | $33,971 | $16.33 |
| 32 | New York | $36,013 | $17.31 |
| 33 | Kansas | $31,641 | $15.21 |
| 34 | Louisiana | $33,766 | $16.23 |
| 35 | Nebraska | $32,449 | $15.60 |
| 36 | New Hampshire | $32,757 | $15.75 |
| 37 | Delaware | $34,185 | $16.44 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $31,558 | $15.17 |
| 39 | Texas | $32,641 | $15.69 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $31,271 | $15.03 |
| 41 | Vermont | $32,331 | $15.54 |
| 42 | North Carolina | $31,772 | $15.28 |
| 43 | Virginia | $32,790 | $15.76 |
| 44 | Montana | $32,836 | $15.79 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $31,800 | $15.29 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $30,286 | $14.56 |
| 47 | Florida | $32,086 | $15.43 |
| 48 | Oklahoma | $30,962 | $14.89 |
| 49 | Alabama | $30,581 | $14.70 |
| 50 | South Carolina | $30,600 | $14.71 |
| 51 | Connecticut | $32,121 | $15.44 |
Highest paying cities for cherry picker operators
The highest-paying cities for cherry picker operators are Eagan, MN, Stockton, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagan, MN | $37,030 | $17.80 |
| 2 | Stockton, CA | $36,595 | $17.59 |
| 3 | Phoenix, AZ | $36,556 | $17.57 |
| 4 | Allentown, PA | $36,065 | $17.34 |
| 5 | Edison, NJ | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| 6 | Carol Stream, IL | $35,344 | $16.99 |
| 7 | Columbus, OH | $34,361 | $16.52 |
| 8 | Florence, KY | $34,133 | $16.41 |
| 9 | Kansas City, MO | $34,031 | $16.36 |
| 10 | Indianapolis, IN | $33,148 | $15.94 |
| 11 | Richmond, VA | $32,737 | $15.74 |
| 12 | Duluth, GA | $32,621 | $15.68 |
| 13 | Houston, TX | $32,525 | $15.64 |
| 14 | Jacksonville, FL | $32,181 | $15.47 |
| 15 | Lebanon, TN | $31,852 | $15.31 |
| 16 | Charlotte, NC | $31,726 | $15.25 |
| 17 | Wichita, KS | $31,602 | $15.19 |
| 18 | Summerville, SC | $30,580 | $14.70 |
Cherry picker operator salary details
A cherry picker operator's salary ranges from $27,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $41,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a cherry picker operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,417 | $20 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
| Average | $33,956 | $2,830 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
Highest paying cherry picker operator jobs
The highest paying types of cherry picker operators are terminal operator, mill operator, and grinder operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift Driver | $33,476 | $2,790 | $16.09 | 116,516 |
| Warehouse Labour | $31,746 | $2,646 | $15.26 | 218,654 |
| Dock Worker | $36,027 | $3,002 | $17.32 | 119,104 |
| Material Handler/Warehouse | $32,384 | $2,699 | $15.57 | 154,227 |
| Driver/Material Handler | $36,219 | $3,018 | $17.41 | 198,718 |
| Picker | $30,779 | $2,565 | $14.80 | 177,748 |
Top companies hiring cherry picker operators now:
Which companies pay cherry picker operators the most?
Cherry picker operator salaries at United Natural Foods and Chewy are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average cherry picker operator salary at companies like Conn's and Rite Aid are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Natural Foods | $41,357 | $19.88 |
| 2 | Chewy | $38,560 | $18.54 |
| 3 | Conn's | $38,063 | $18.30 |
| 4 | Rite Aid | $37,650 | $18.10 |
| 5 | CVS Health | $36,781 | $17.68 |
| 6 | HD Supply | $36,759 | $17.67 |
| 7 | BBB Industries | $36,657 | $17.62 |
| 8 | KeHE | $36,421 | $17.51 |
| 9 | Lineage Logistics | $36,394 | $17.50 |
| 10 | Scholastic | $36,360 | $17.48 |
| 11 | Mohawk Industries | $36,139 | $17.37 |
| 12 | Ryder System | $36,133 | $17.37 |
| 13 | Covetrus | $36,062 | $17.34 |
| 14 | Hire Dynamics | $36,023 | $17.32 |
| 15 | The Agency | $36,023 | $17.32 |
| 16 | Blue Crew Holdings LLC | $36,023 | $17.32 |
| 17 | Undisclosed Location | $36,022 | $17.32 |
| 18 | FIDELITONE | $35,199 | $16.92 |
| 19 | Neovia Logistics | $35,012 | $16.83 |
| 20 | Kimco Staffing Services Inc | $34,770 | $16.72 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Cherry Picker Operator salary by industry
The average cherry picker operator salary varies across industries:
- The average cherry picker operator salary in the automotive industry is $36,820, the highest of any industry.
- The average cherry picker operator salary in the finance industry is $35,372.
- Cherry picker operators in the energy industry earn an average salary of $32,799, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for cherry picker operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| 2 | Transportation | $35,372 | $17.01 |
| 3 | Technology | $34,942 | $16.80 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $34,478 | $16.58 |
| 5 | Retail | $34,242 | $16.46 |
| 6 | Professional | $32,826 | $15.78 |
| 7 | Energy | $32,799 | $15.77 |
High paying cherry picker operator jobs
Cherry picker operator salary trends
The average cherry picker operator salary has risen by $6,826 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average cherry picker operator earned $27,130 annually, but today, they earn $33,956 a year. That works out to a 16% change in pay for cherry picker operators over the last decade.
Compare cherry picker operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average cherry picker operator salary over time
Compare cherry picker operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Cherry picker operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,000 | $16.32 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $32,700 | $15.73 | +4.0% |
| 2023 | $31,400 | $15.10 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $30,400 | $14.62 | +3.5% |
| 2021 | $29,300 | $14.11 | +1.1% |
Recently added cherry picker operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Health | Cherry Picker Operator (DAY Shift) | Groveport, OH | 06/28/2025 | $41,949 |
| Qualified Staffing | Cherry Picker Forklift Operator-Day Shift | Lawrenceville, GA | 06/28/2025 | $39,653 |
| Wayfair LLC | Seasonal Cherry Picker Operator | Perris, CA | 06/27/2025 | $46,958 |
| Aerotek | Cherry Picker (Night Shift) | Upper Marlboro, MD | 06/27/2025 | $41,740 |
| A2Z Staffing | Weekend Cherry Picker Operator | Denver, CO | 06/27/2025 | $39,653 |
| Staffmark Group | Cherry Picker Operator | Moreno Valley, CA | 06/26/2025 | $41,740 |
| Essendant | Warehouse Forklift/Cherry Picker Operator | Coxsackie, NY | 06/20/2025 | $36,940 |
| Manpowergroup | Cherry Picker | Mount Prospect, IL | 06/20/2025 | $44,766 |
| Adecco Us, Inc. | Cherry Picker 1St. Shift | Mullins, SC | 06/20/2025 | $33,392 |
| Bob's Discount Furniture | Warehouse Forklift/Cherry Picker Operator-Receiving | Piscataway, NJ | 06/20/2025 | $43,827 |
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