Forklift operator salary
BLS occupation: Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators · also called industrial truck operator · Transportation and material moving · data for May 2025
Median salary $46,420 a year, US
Median hourly pay $22.32 an hour
Middle half earn $40,030–$54,770 25th to 75th percentile
Forklift operators employed 774,420 +1.5% projected by 2035
How much does a forklift operator make?
- The median forklift operator salary in the US is $46,420 a year ($22.32 an hour): half of the 774,420 forklift operators BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $48,370.
- The middle half earn between $40,030 and $54,770. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $36,840 and the top 10% more than $62,520.
- That is 9% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays forklift operators the most (median $83,720), followed by New Mexico ($62,150) and Delaware ($60,350). West Virginia pays the least ($41,670).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia, where the median is worth $76,178 in typical US prices, then New Mexico and Wyoming.
- In 34 of the 375 metro areas with data, the median forklift operator salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of forklift operators to grow 1.5% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 64,700 openings a year. The typical entry education is no formal educational credential.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what forklift operators are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Forklift operator salary range
Half of forklift operators earn between $40,030 and $54,770 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $36,840
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $40,030
Median Yearly pay: $46,420
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $54,770
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $62,520
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $36,840 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $40,030 |
| Median | $46,420 |
| Top 25% earn over | $54,770 |
| Top 10% earn over | $62,520 |
Forklift operator salary by state
The District of Columbia pays forklift operators the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($46,420), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,720 median |
| New Mexico | $62,150 median |
| Delaware | $60,350 median |
| Wyoming | $59,820 median |
| New Hampshire | $54,460 median |
| Alaska | $54,190 median |
| Hawaii | $53,640 median |
| Oregon | $50,760 median |
| Colorado | $50,570 median |
| Washington | $49,910 median |
| Minnesota | $49,740 median |
| North Dakota | $49,260 median |
| Utah | $49,040 median |
| New York | $49,030 median |
| Louisiana | $48,950 median |
| Florida | $48,370 median |
| Arizona | $48,110 median |
| Montana | $48,060 median |
| California | $47,770 median |
| Maine | $47,730 median |
| Pennsylvania | $47,730 median |
| Illinois | $47,720 median |
| Wisconsin | $47,720 median |
| Iowa | $47,590 median |
| Kansas | $47,430 median |
| South Dakota | $47,410 median |
| Vermont | $47,380 median |
| Connecticut | $47,190 median |
| Virginia | $46,920 median |
| Massachusetts | $46,850 median |
| Nebraska | $46,730 median |
| Kentucky | $46,630 median |
| Idaho | $46,600 median |
| Ohio | $46,450 median |
| New Jersey | $46,100 median |
| Indiana | $45,650 median |
| Maryland | $45,630 median |
| Texas | $45,450 median |
| Nevada | $45,230 median |
| Michigan | $45,220 median |
| Missouri | $45,190 median |
| Rhode Island | $45,010 median |
| Alabama | $44,880 median |
| Oklahoma | $44,700 median |
| Arkansas | $43,780 median |
| South Carolina | $43,680 median |
| Mississippi | $43,420 median |
| North Carolina | $43,420 median |
| Georgia | $43,210 median |
| Tennessee | $42,100 median |
| West Virginia | $41,670 median |
Where forklift operator pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Forklift operators' pay goes furthest in the District of Columbia once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $76,178 |
| New Mexico | $67,399 |
| Wyoming | $64,537 |
| Delaware | $60,466 |
| Louisiana | $55,494 |
| North Dakota | $55,374 |
| Iowa | $54,226 |
| South Dakota | $53,519 |
| Alaska | $52,941 |
| Kansas | $52,660 |
Forklift operator pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,720 | $40.25 | $57,050 | $83,720 | – | $76,178 |
| New Mexico | $62,150 | $29.88 | $35,900 | $65,090 | 2,620 | $67,399 |
| Delaware | $60,350 | $29.01 | $38,210 | $60,350 | 5,230 | $60,466 |
| Wyoming | $59,820 | $28.76 | $38,220 | $74,160 | 790 | $64,537 |
| New Hampshire | $54,460 | $26.18 | $40,600 | $62,750 | 1,450 | $52,282 |
| Alaska | $54,190 | $26.05 | $37,650 | $72,720 | 410 | $52,941 |
| Hawaii | $53,640 | $25.79 | $41,140 | $118,140 | 880 | $48,785 |
| Oregon | $50,760 | $24.40 | $40,410 | $63,150 | 8,560 | $49,109 |
| Colorado | $50,570 | $24.31 | $40,560 | $65,630 | 8,570 | $49,072 |
| Washington | $49,910 | $24.00 | $41,600 | $62,920 | 18,750 | $46,639 |
| Minnesota | $49,740 | $23.91 | $39,940 | $73,870 | 7,110 | $50,436 |
| North Dakota | $49,260 | $23.68 | $40,720 | $62,700 | 930 | $55,374 |
| Utah | $49,040 | $23.58 | $38,270 | $65,760 | 6,830 | $49,603 |
| New York | $49,030 | $23.57 | $38,330 | $73,630 | 18,420 | $45,431 |
| Louisiana | $48,950 | $23.53 | $35,980 | $61,230 | 7,680 | $55,494 |
| Florida | $48,370 | $23.25 | $37,050 | $62,960 | 38,400 | $46,773 |
| Arizona | $48,110 | $23.13 | $38,560 | $62,940 | 12,340 | $47,786 |
| Montana | $48,060 | $23.11 | $36,450 | $64,970 | 910 | $50,779 |
| California | $47,770 | $22.97 | $38,650 | $63,330 | 89,620 | $43,145 |
| Maine | $47,730 | $22.95 | $40,440 | $64,490 | 2,900 | $49,181 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,730 | $22.95 | $38,160 | $62,510 | 42,110 | $48,918 |
| Illinois | $47,720 | $22.94 | $37,990 | $63,140 | 29,450 | $47,740 |
| Wisconsin | $47,720 | $22.94 | $38,960 | $62,940 | 12,150 | $50,715 |
| Iowa | $47,590 | $22.88 | $38,640 | $61,000 | 7,770 | $54,226 |
| Kansas | $47,430 | $22.80 | $37,910 | $58,640 | 7,700 | $52,660 |
| South Dakota | $47,410 | $22.79 | $37,780 | $61,080 | 1,940 | $53,519 |
| Vermont | $47,380 | $22.78 | $39,040 | $61,290 | 950 | $48,368 |
| Connecticut | $47,190 | $22.69 | $38,790 | $71,860 | 3,780 | $45,546 |
| Virginia | $46,920 | $22.56 | $37,250 | $62,260 | 19,320 | $46,408 |
| Massachusetts | $46,850 | $22.52 | $39,850 | $57,410 | 8,390 | $44,300 |
| Nebraska | $46,730 | $22.47 | $37,020 | $59,100 | 5,020 | $51,863 |
| Kentucky | $46,630 | $22.42 | $35,540 | $70,840 | 11,270 | $51,720 |
| Idaho | $46,600 | $22.40 | $36,400 | $59,840 | 2,560 | $48,799 |
| Ohio | $46,450 | $22.33 | $37,960 | $63,660 | 42,360 | $50,068 |
| New Jersey | $46,100 | $22.16 | $36,680 | $65,820 | 21,790 | $42,369 |
| Indiana | $45,650 | $21.95 | $37,250 | $61,630 | 23,090 | $48,913 |
| Maryland | $45,630 | $21.94 | $39,320 | $61,040 | 13,740 | $43,474 |
| Texas | $45,450 | $21.85 | $34,300 | $59,780 | 88,780 | $46,828 |
| Nevada | $45,230 | $21.75 | $37,560 | $66,950 | 7,300 | $45,240 |
| Michigan | $45,220 | $21.74 | $37,200 | $71,150 | 23,470 | $46,998 |
| Missouri | $45,190 | $21.73 | $36,240 | $64,620 | 11,470 | $49,759 |
| Rhode Island | $45,010 | $21.64 | $38,960 | $58,330 | 780 | $44,007 |
| Alabama | $44,880 | $21.58 | $33,290 | $60,750 | 15,360 | $50,527 |
| Oklahoma | $44,700 | $21.49 | $35,400 | $60,120 | 7,850 | $50,886 |
| Arkansas | $43,780 | $21.05 | $33,890 | $57,260 | 10,850 | $50,358 |
| South Carolina | $43,680 | $21.00 | $35,780 | $56,980 | 14,210 | $46,592 |
| Mississippi | $43,420 | $20.88 | $32,390 | $51,260 | 9,640 | $49,935 |
| North Carolina | $43,420 | $20.88 | $35,940 | $56,000 | 26,830 | $46,032 |
| Georgia | $43,210 | $20.77 | $36,690 | $59,860 | 50,260 | $44,873 |
| Tennessee | $42,100 | $20.24 | $35,520 | $54,660 | 20,070 | $45,826 |
| West Virginia | $41,670 | $20.03 | $28,700 | $54,920 | 1,400 | $46,560 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Forklift operator salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes forklift operator pay: 379 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Flint, MI $78,530
- Kahului, HI $66,350
- Cheyenne, WY $62,520
- Vallejo, CA $62,460
- Albuquerque, NM $62,150
- Palm Bay, FL $59,850
- San Francisco, CA $59,240
- Anchorage, AK $58,910
- Kenosha, WI $58,110
- Fort Collins, CO $57,140
Where the pay goes furthest
- Flint, MI $84,410
- Albuquerque, NM $65,047
- Cheyenne, WY $64,794
- Hammond, LA $63,675
- Decatur, IL $61,059
- Kahului, HI $60,653
- Shreveport, LA $60,472
- Lewiston, ME $60,167
- Palm Bay, FL $59,847
- Lewiston, ID $59,116
All 379 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flint, MI | $78,530 | 1,020 | $84,410 | 16% |
| Kahului, HI | $66,350 | 40 | $60,653 | 58% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $62,520 | 360 | $64,794 | 29% |
| Vallejo, CA | $62,460 | 1,070 | $57,578 | 47% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $62,150 | 1,940 | $65,047 | 29% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $59,850 | 530 | $59,847 | 38% |
| San Francisco, CA | $59,240 | 7,530 | $51,240 | 70% |
| Anchorage, AK | $58,910 | 230 | $55,881 | 38% |
| Kenosha, WI | $58,110 | 1,300 | $57,468 | – |
| Fort Collins, CO | $57,140 | 670 | $56,503 | 41% |
| Lewiston, ME | $57,000 | 410 | $60,167 | 33% |
| Modesto, CA | $55,810 | 2,350 | $53,608 | 44% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $55,680 | 480 | $52,104 | 62% |
| Seattle, WA | $55,600 | 10,110 | $50,030 | 49% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $54,700 | 270 | $55,332 | 45% |
| San Jose, CA | $54,440 | 2,130 | $49,301 | 84% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $54,060 | 230 | $56,986 | 32% |
| Decatur, IL | $53,990 | 170 | $61,059 | 24% |
| Lewiston, ID | $53,890 | 120 | $59,116 | 33% |
| Hammond, LA | $53,780 | 550 | $63,675 | 29% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $53,440 | 1,040 | $56,317 | 38% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $53,130 | 110 | $54,053 | 41% |
| Napa, CA | $52,800 | 530 | $46,911 | 66% |
| Utica, NY | $52,670 | 530 | $56,831 | 32% |
| Denver, CO | $52,190 | 5,410 | $49,337 | 44% |
| Portland, OR | $52,120 | 4,220 | $49,440 | 42% |
| Medford, OR | $51,930 | 380 | $51,196 | 43% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $51,890 | 50 | $51,499 | 47% |
| Davenport, IA | $51,850 | 850 | $58,207 | 23% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $51,730 | 360 | $56,162 | 36% |
| Longview, WA | $51,700 | 270 | $53,001 | 33% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $51,450 | 1,020 | $55,937 | 34% |
| Shreveport, LA | $51,260 | 730 | $60,472 | 30% |
| Honolulu, HI | $51,260 | 750 | $46,196 | 71% |
| Bremerton, WA | $50,800 | 70 | $48,103 | 48% |
| Albany, NY | $50,770 | 1,050 | $50,991 | 40% |
| Dubuque, IA | $50,770 | 230 | $58,137 | 25% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $50,750 | 50 | $51,913 | 38% |
| Grand Island, NE | $50,730 | 280 | $58,541 | 32% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $50,670 | 4,950 | $50,933 | 40% |
| Portland, ME | $50,310 | 1,390 | $49,392 | 55% |
| Corvallis, OR | $50,110 | 50 | $48,175 | 43% |
| Lancaster, PA | $50,050 | 2,380 | $50,938 | 38% |
| Owensboro, KY | $50,010 | 240 | $56,438 | 30% |
| Gainesville, FL | $49,980 | 890 | $51,668 | 39% |
| Greeley, CO | $49,960 | 800 | $49,872 | 40% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $49,940 | 220 | $48,749 | 53% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $49,900 | 300 | $53,697 | 31% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $49,880 | 1,240 | $49,767 | 56% |
| Tampa, FL | $49,850 | 5,330 | $49,410 | 48% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $49,740 | 4,880 | $47,452 | 42% |
| Washington, DC | $49,710 | 6,400 | $45,654 | 58% |
| Florence, AL | $49,610 | 360 | $58,491 | 26% |
| New Haven, CT | $49,540 | 670 | $47,380 | 49% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $49,470 | 3,640 | $49,044 | 40% |
| Topeka, KS | $49,440 | 900 | $55,663 | 30% |
| Bend, OR | $49,370 | 320 | $47,651 | 54% |
| Reading, PA | $49,280 | 1,820 | $50,773 | 38% |
| Bellingham, WA | $49,270 | 280 | $47,680 | 48% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $49,270 | 160 | $56,852 | 28% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $49,260 | 15,670 | $48,033 | 46% |
| Allentown, PA | $49,140 | 5,980 | $49,156 | 45% |
| Des Moines, IA | $49,080 | 1,400 | $53,522 | 31% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $49,000 | 6,920 | $51,379 | 37% |
| Eugene, OR | $48,990 | 730 | $48,234 | 43% |
| Syracuse, NY | $48,970 | 860 | $51,148 | 40% |
| Scranton, PA | $48,860 | 4,240 | $52,225 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $48,770 | 10,250 | $47,205 | 42% |
| St. George, UT | $48,720 | 340 | $50,061 | 46% |
| Little Rock, AR | $48,710 | 3,150 | $54,507 | 30% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $48,680 | 250 | $53,766 | 28% |
| Albany, OR | $48,640 | 440 | $47,640 | 40% |
| Rochester, MN | $48,640 | 140 | $53,556 | 39% |
| Birmingham, AL | $48,570 | 4,100 | $52,999 | 35% |
| Burlington, VT | $48,530 | 390 | $48,074 | 64% |
| Olympia, WA | $48,520 | 840 | $46,802 | 51% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $48,420 | 470 | $51,555 | 37% |
| Mobile, AL | $48,410 | 1,510 | $54,950 | 32% |
| Billings, MT | $48,380 | 290 | $51,729 | 34% |
| Deltona, FL | $48,370 | 690 | $48,678 | 44% |
| Bozeman, MT | $48,360 | 80 | $47,176 | 55% |
| Valdosta, GA | $48,360 | 620 | $54,786 | 33% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $48,340 | 250 | $47,918 | 48% |
| Ames, IA | $48,310 | 110 | $54,385 | 29% |
| Lakeland, FL | $48,290 | 4,370 | $49,711 | 45% |
| Stockton, CA | $48,290 | 5,810 | $45,952 | 60% |
| Boulder, CO | $48,260 | 250 | $45,874 | 55% |
| Norwich, CT | $48,200 | 250 | $47,986 | 52% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $48,160 | 1,410 | $53,051 | 34% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $48,100 | 170 | $53,107 | 32% |
| Missoula, MT | $48,090 | 80 | $49,863 | 40% |
| Duluth, MN | $48,080 | 170 | $54,164 | 33% |
| Chicago, IL | $47,950 | 22,320 | $46,286 | 54% |
| Kennewick, WA | $47,950 | 1,240 | $47,912 | 42% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $47,880 | 590 | $51,667 | 36% |
| Casper, WY | $47,870 | 110 | $51,018 | 36% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $47,860 | 80 | $47,744 | – |
| Riverside, CA | $47,850 | 24,180 | $44,954 | 64% |
| Springfield, MA | $47,840 | 810 | $49,802 | 49% |
| Miami, FL | $47,810 | 9,290 | $41,882 | 67% |
| Boston, MA | $47,800 | 5,030 | $44,151 | 75% |
| Salem, OR | $47,790 | 1,110 | $46,108 | 41% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $47,780 | 2,520 | $49,290 | 39% |
| Redding, CA | $47,740 | 160 | $47,416 | 42% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $47,700 | 800 | $43,593 | 57% |
| Bismarck, ND | $47,660 | 60 | $52,360 | 33% |
| Buffalo, NY | $47,630 | 1,310 | $49,695 | 37% |
| Madison, WI | $47,610 | 770 | $48,938 | 45% |
| Williamsport, PA | $47,590 | 250 | $51,532 | 27% |
| Sacramento, CA | $47,570 | 3,150 | $44,595 | 57% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $47,560 | 530 | $53,460 | 31% |
| Appleton, WI | $47,540 | 770 | $51,440 | 30% |
| New Orleans, LA | $47,530 | 1,090 | $51,330 | 40% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $47,510 | 450 | $55,324 | 31% |
| Lexington, KY | $47,490 | 1,150 | $51,126 | 40% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $47,480 | 390 | $54,181 | 31% |
| Boise, ID | $47,440 | 800 | $48,216 | 49% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $47,410 | 880 | $52,311 | 32% |
| Kansas City, MO | $47,350 | 6,290 | $51,165 | 39% |
| Traverse City, MI | $47,340 | 230 | $50,700 | 47% |
| Dallas, TX | $47,230 | 34,650 | $45,814 | 42% |
| Orlando, FL | $47,230 | 5,780 | $46,570 | 49% |
| Rochester, NY | $47,210 | 1,270 | $48,653 | 39% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $47,200 | 60 | $45,733 | 47% |
| Sandusky, OH | $47,170 | 210 | $52,833 | 46% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $47,120 | 200 | $50,120 | 34% |
| Pueblo, CO | $47,090 | 180 | $51,318 | 34% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $47,040 | 3,610 | $48,029 | 48% |
| Asheville, NC | $47,010 | 700 | $48,712 | 43% |
| Michigan City, IN | $46,990 | 170 | $51,253 | 31% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $46,970 | 670 | $43,578 | 68% |
| Provo, UT | $46,960 | 760 | $47,805 | 45% |
| New York, NY | $46,930 | 24,720 | $41,692 | 91% |
| Richmond, VA | $46,920 | 5,150 | $47,947 | 44% |
| Carson City, NV | $46,890 | 100 | $47,784 | 53% |
| Charleston, SC | $46,890 | 2,420 | $46,443 | 52% |
| Manchester, NH | $46,790 | 220 | $44,285 | 56% |
| Columbus, OH | $46,780 | 11,910 | $49,000 | 39% |
| Kingston, NY | $46,770 | 70 | $46,441 | 52% |
| Racine, WI | $46,770 | 260 | $48,739 | 37% |
| Ogden, UT | $46,730 | 1,050 | $46,567 | 42% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $46,690 | 470 | $50,315 | 29% |
| Iowa City, IA | $46,670 | 130 | $51,000 | 45% |
| Lafayette, LA | $46,600 | 390 | $53,435 | 36% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,600 | 22,170 | $41,033 | 75% |
| Visalia, CA | $46,590 | 1,730 | $46,672 | 45% |
| Detroit, MI | $46,550 | 10,370 | $46,412 | 39% |
| Hartford, CT | $46,550 | 1,590 | $45,306 | 52% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $46,530 | 270 | $42,340 | 89% |
| Green Bay, WI | $46,490 | 660 | $49,943 | 29% |
| Naples, FL | $46,490 | 200 | $45,048 | 67% |
| Spokane, WA | $46,460 | 1,780 | $46,300 | 39% |
| Evansville, IN | $46,450 | 890 | $50,749 | 28% |
| Helena, MT | $46,450 | 40 | $48,550 | 43% |
| Austin, TX | $46,430 | 4,250 | $47,346 | 41% |
| San Diego, CA | $46,370 | 3,890 | $41,444 | 77% |
| Midland, TX | $46,340 | 390 | $48,380 | 41% |
| Lincoln, NE | $46,330 | 670 | $50,589 | 33% |
| St. Louis, MO | $46,330 | 4,980 | $48,723 | 37% |
| Kankakee, IL | $46,320 | 200 | $48,053 | 34% |
| York, PA | $46,270 | 2,900 | $48,198 | 36% |
| Dover, DE | $46,210 | 500 | $47,391 | 46% |
| Louisville, KY | $46,190 | 4,230 | $49,627 | 35% |
| Brunswick, GA | $46,180 | 140 | $52,652 | 43% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $46,120 | 120 | $50,326 | 29% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $46,120 | 80 | $52,971 | 28% |
| Cleveland, OH | $46,090 | 5,480 | $49,072 | 37% |
| Elkhart, IN | $46,090 | 1,030 | $51,027 | 31% |
| Janesville, WI | $46,090 | 630 | $49,187 | 34% |
| Watertown, NY | $46,090 | 60 | $52,560 | 39% |
| Hanford, CA | $46,050 | 270 | $45,319 | 50% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $46,020 | 90 | $46,712 | 38% |
| Houston, TX | $45,990 | 20,910 | $46,629 | 43% |
| Joplin, MO | $45,990 | 780 | $53,653 | 32% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $45,960 | 2,880 | $50,836 | 36% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $45,950 | 5,150 | $46,579 | 39% |
| Canton, OH | $45,930 | 1,190 | $51,372 | 30% |
| Rapid City, SD | $45,930 | 190 | $51,514 | 38% |
| Reno, NV | $45,860 | 2,560 | $45,400 | 54% |
| Worcester, MA | $45,860 | 1,080 | $44,731 | 55% |
| Staunton, VA | $45,850 | – | $50,314 | 38% |
| Fargo, ND | $45,840 | 400 | $50,445 | 29% |
| Chico, CA | $45,820 | 240 | $45,278 | 41% |
| Roanoke, VA | $45,770 | 530 | $48,890 | 37% |
| Wichita, KS | $45,760 | 1,150 | $51,447 | 32% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $45,720 | 320 | $47,935 | 36% |
| Killeen, TX | $45,720 | 1,670 | $50,169 | 34% |
| Beaumont, TX | $45,710 | 840 | $50,763 | 34% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $45,710 | 470 | $45,389 | 46% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $45,670 | 9,540 | $47,724 | 40% |
| Tucson, AZ | $45,630 | 1,200 | $47,092 | 39% |
| Akron, OH | $45,590 | 2,640 | $48,827 | 34% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $45,520 | 300 | $50,938 | 34% |
| Odessa, TX | $45,510 | 380 | $48,469 | 42% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $45,510 | 3,470 | $48,072 | 39% |
| Salisbury, MD | $45,510 | 150 | $47,596 | 51% |
| Sioux City, IA | $45,470 | 530 | $52,594 | 34% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $45,450 | 80 | $45,841 | 54% |
| Winchester, VA | $45,360 | 1,470 | $47,030 | 48% |
| San Antonio, TX | $45,340 | 7,940 | $47,869 | 37% |
| Pocatello, ID | $45,310 | 110 | $50,964 | 29% |
| Rockford, IL | $45,290 | 830 | $49,146 | 34% |
| Springfield, MO | $45,230 | 1,180 | $51,058 | 33% |
| Huntsville, AL | $45,200 | 1,290 | $48,565 | 37% |
| Raleigh, NC | $45,140 | 2,650 | $45,988 | 44% |
| Bay City, MI | $45,120 | 130 | $49,086 | 27% |
| Dayton, OH | $45,120 | 3,440 | $48,676 | 35% |
| Omaha, NE | $45,120 | 2,010 | $49,091 | 37% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $45,100 | 210 | $41,530 | 75% |
| Toledo, OH | $45,100 | 3,280 | $49,314 | 34% |
| Lansing, MI | $45,070 | 790 | $47,447 | 35% |
| Slidell, LA | $45,070 | 140 | $48,606 | – |
| Chambersburg, PA | $45,030 | 1,220 | $47,579 | 36% |
| Hinesville, GA | $45,000 | 290 | $47,906 | 47% |
| Johnson City, TN | $44,990 | 210 | $51,167 | 40% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $44,980 | 2,370 | $44,585 | 49% |
| Binghamton, NY | $44,970 | 350 | $48,426 | 43% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $44,920 | 520 | $47,364 | 34% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $44,920 | 50 | $47,232 | 47% |
| Burlington, NC | $44,910 | 590 | $48,189 | 36% |
| Clarksville, TN | $44,910 | 590 | $49,380 | 36% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $44,900 | 80 | $44,755 | 57% |
| Peoria, IL | $44,840 | 670 | $49,150 | 31% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $44,720 | 490 | $43,694 | 49% |
| Yuba City, CA | $44,720 | 280 | $42,904 | 55% |
| Atlanta, GA | $44,710 | 28,750 | $44,684 | 49% |
| Farmington, NM | $44,710 | 70 | $50,977 | 38% |
| Bloomington, IN | $44,670 | 180 | $46,980 | 47% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $44,660 | 4,400 | $44,564 | 47% |
| Lawrence, KS | $44,650 | 180 | $49,478 | 42% |
| Lebanon, PA | $44,630 | 830 | $47,879 | 39% |
| La Crosse, WI | $44,620 | 490 | $48,622 | 36% |
| Nashville, TN | $44,600 | 6,000 | $46,295 | 49% |
| Memphis, TN | $44,540 | 7,950 | $48,319 | 38% |
| Oxnard, CA | $44,540 | 1,200 | $40,295 | 80% |
| Merced, CA | $44,520 | 720 | $45,301 | 55% |
| North Port, FL | $44,500 | 750 | $43,450 | 57% |
| Providence, RI | $44,490 | 2,570 | $43,715 | 58% |
| Mansfield, OH | $44,430 | 260 | $49,993 | 24% |
| South Bend, IN | $44,350 | 590 | $47,761 | 34% |
| Yakima, WA | $44,330 | 1,400 | $46,397 | 37% |
| Logan, UT | $44,270 | 420 | $46,150 | 39% |
| Florence, SC | $44,260 | 700 | $51,006 | 41% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $44,230 | 210 | $49,412 | 35% |
| Bangor, ME | $44,180 | 120 | $45,779 | 41% |
| Auburn, AL | $44,160 | 640 | $50,220 | 43% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $44,150 | 90 | $51,291 | 28% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $44,140 | 250 | $50,275 | 27% |
| Champaign, IL | $44,130 | 250 | $47,603 | 38% |
| Panama City, FL | $44,120 | 80 | $45,346 | 47% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $44,100 | 140 | $46,190 | 47% |
| Durham, NC | $44,090 | 710 | $45,187 | 45% |
| Tulsa, OK | $44,060 | 2,130 | $49,387 | 37% |
| Wausau, WI | $44,040 | 300 | $47,533 | 26% |
| Decatur, AL | $44,020 | 490 | $50,475 | 29% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $43,920 | 1,800 | $48,077 | 43% |
| Charlotte, NC | $43,880 | 8,330 | $45,075 | 47% |
| State College, PA | $43,860 | 70 | $45,328 | 53% |
| Baltimore, MD | $43,850 | 8,680 | $41,967 | 53% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $43,850 | 1,550 | $47,369 | 35% |
| Savannah, GA | $43,830 | 2,310 | $46,037 | 48% |
| Victoria, TX | $43,810 | 80 | $48,765 | 32% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $43,790 | 780 | $46,501 | 44% |
| Columbus, IN | $43,780 | 210 | $47,074 | 38% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $43,770 | 290 | $50,983 | 37% |
| Lima, OH | $43,740 | 290 | $48,779 | 33% |
| Lafayette, IN | $43,720 | 290 | $46,794 | 40% |
| Waterloo, IA | $43,670 | 480 | $50,163 | 28% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $43,640 | 40 | $44,185 | 54% |
| Charleston, WV | $43,570 | 100 | $49,111 | 33% |
| Columbia, SC | $43,500 | 1,930 | $46,444 | 43% |
| Jackson, MI | $43,460 | 230 | $47,353 | 33% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $43,370 | 100 | $44,247 | 55% |
| Salinas, CA | $43,370 | 1,290 | $39,774 | 77% |
| Fresno, CA | $43,360 | 3,220 | $42,444 | 57% |
| Great Falls, MT | $43,240 | 70 | $44,649 | 40% |
| Johnstown, PA | $43,100 | 160 | $50,158 | 25% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $43,100 | 1,560 | $46,826 | 43% |
| Trenton, NJ | $43,090 | 860 | $41,762 | 70% |
| Cleveland, TN | $43,020 | 360 | $48,842 | 39% |
| Monroe, MI | $42,990 | 270 | $45,983 | 36% |
| Amarillo, TX | $42,890 | 520 | $46,711 | 37% |
| Longview, TX | $42,880 | 740 | $47,919 | 32% |
| Waterbury, CT | $42,860 | 550 | $42,955 | – |
| Hickory, NC | $42,850 | 870 | $48,426 | 45% |
| Huntington, WV | $42,740 | 260 | $48,336 | 30% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $42,740 | 570 | $39,284 | 92% |
| Muskegon, MI | $42,720 | 310 | $46,174 | 36% |
| Springfield, IL | $42,710 | 100 | $46,051 | 34% |
| Muncie, IN | $42,630 | 90 | $48,362 | 29% |
| Vineland, NJ | $42,610 | 770 | $44,400 | 46% |
| Sherman, TX | $42,570 | 150 | $45,398 | 38% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $42,490 | 80 | $43,245 | 53% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $42,430 | 270 | $44,941 | 41% |
| Knoxville, TN | $42,410 | 1,640 | $45,814 | 49% |
| Greenville, NC | $42,280 | 130 | $47,827 | 42% |
| Wilmington, NC | $42,210 | 350 | $43,776 | 50% |
| Athens, GA | $42,160 | 330 | $45,167 | 51% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $42,030 | 360 | $48,656 | 29% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $41,980 | 230 | $44,830 | 49% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $41,980 | 1,450 | $46,106 | 42% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $41,900 | 430 | $40,345 | 50% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $41,880 | 240 | $47,604 | 29% |
| Monroe, LA | $41,850 | 230 | $50,062 | 34% |
| Elmira, NY | $41,820 | 90 | $44,302 | 33% |
| Sebastian, FL | $41,810 | 90 | $42,530 | 61% |
| Niles, MI | $41,690 | 290 | $45,134 | 40% |
| Columbia, MO | $41,650 | 120 | $46,569 | 42% |
| Augusta, GA | $41,600 | 960 | $45,265 | 42% |
| Jackson, MS | $41,580 | 2,110 | $46,694 | 42% |
| Greensboro, NC | $41,510 | 2,890 | $44,699 | 41% |
| Greenville, SC | $41,360 | 2,320 | $44,349 | 45% |
| Saginaw, MI | $41,360 | 270 | $45,505 | 31% |
| Erie, PA | $41,320 | 420 | $45,432 | 33% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $41,300 | 4,680 | $43,225 | 47% |
| Houma, LA | $41,210 | 170 | $48,424 | 38% |
| Crestview, FL | $41,080 | 110 | $42,337 | 57% |
| Montgomery, AL | $41,080 | 1,130 | $45,806 | 40% |
| Waco, TX | $40,900 | 700 | $44,192 | 42% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $40,900 | 190 | $43,609 | 44% |
| Kokomo, IN | $40,840 | 80 | $45,556 | 32% |
| Kingsport, TN | $40,720 | 590 | $47,104 | 39% |
| The Villages, FL | $40,570 | 150 | $47,493 | 51% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $40,460 | 70 | $40,249 | 55% |
| Daphne, AL | $40,450 | 160 | $42,718 | 50% |
| Springfield, OH | $40,450 | 440 | $44,705 | 36% |
| Bloomington, IL | $40,400 | 70 | $43,191 | 38% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $40,280 | 50 | $46,985 | 37% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $40,260 | 1,670 | $44,017 | 45% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $40,230 | 70 | $43,688 | 47% |
| Gainesville, GA | $39,980 | 1,330 | $41,316 | 51% |
| Lubbock, TX | $39,930 | 710 | $43,727 | 40% |
| Ocala, FL | $39,880 | – | $41,876 | 48% |
| Anniston, AL | $39,870 | 190 | $46,388 | 29% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $39,830 | 90 | $42,328 | 46% |
| Tyler, TX | $39,750 | 550 | $43,133 | 40% |
| El Centro, CA | $39,650 | 340 | $41,661 | 55% |
| Youngstown, OH | $39,640 | 760 | $45,358 | 32% |
| Morristown, TN | $39,570 | 310 | $45,818 | 47% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $39,510 | 60 | $42,272 | 53% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $39,480 | 810 | $45,967 | 33% |
| Altoona, PA | $39,460 | 340 | $44,086 | 31% |
| Paducah, KY | $39,460 | 100 | $45,839 | 35% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $39,430 | 410 | $44,801 | 39% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $39,380 | 250 | $42,477 | 51% |
| Wheeling, WV | $39,380 | 180 | $44,586 | 26% |
| Pensacola, FL | $39,320 | 300 | $40,239 | 53% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $39,210 | 880 | $44,698 | 51% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $39,110 | 620 | $43,369 | 37% |
| Alexandria, LA | $39,010 | 150 | $45,527 | 32% |
| Jackson, TN | $38,570 | 700 | $45,100 | 43% |
| El Paso, TX | $38,520 | 2,410 | $42,842 | 47% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $38,420 | 350 | $43,431 | 47% |
| College Station, TX | $38,360 | 300 | $42,177 | 47% |
| San Angelo, TX | $38,340 | 140 | $41,470 | 41% |
| Enid, OK | $38,120 | 100 | $45,236 | 35% |
| Beckley, WV | $37,980 | 30 | $42,979 | 33% |
| Abilene, TX | $37,970 | 170 | $42,019 | 63% |
| Dalton, GA | $37,930 | 2,000 | $42,218 | 44% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $37,850 | 230 | $43,191 | 41% |
| Yuma, AZ | $37,820 | 170 | $40,796 | 45% |
| Texarkana, TX | $37,810 | 190 | $45,005 | 40% |
| Gulfport, MS | $37,550 | 340 | $41,719 | 45% |
| Sumter, SC | $37,480 | 150 | $42,581 | 47% |
| Columbus, GA | $37,450 | 480 | $41,939 | 43% |
| Manhattan, KS | $37,450 | 190 | $41,536 | 40% |
| Albany, GA | $37,250 | 240 | $42,489 | 35% |
| Macon, GA | $37,170 | 660 | $41,987 | 39% |
| Dothan, AL | $37,140 | 380 | $44,302 | 39% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $36,710 | 60 | $41,557 | 61% |
| Lawton, OK | $36,590 | 90 | $42,576 | 37% |
| Gadsden, AL | $36,500 | 250 | $42,614 | 35% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $35,900 | 220 | $39,795 | 49% |
| Sebring, FL | $35,370 | 50 | $38,250 | 51% |
| Brownsville, TX | $34,630 | 700 | $40,279 | 52% |
| Rome, GA | $32,760 | 610 | $36,335 | 46% |
| McAllen, TX | $31,500 | 1,260 | $36,673 | 43% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $29,740 | 50 | $35,487 | 47% |
| Laredo, TX | $29,710 | 1,390 | $34,167 | 46% |
What the median forklift operator salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $46,420 |
| Month | $3,868 |
| Every two weeks | $1,785 |
| Week | $893 |
| Hour | $22.32 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a forklift operator: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +1.5% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 64,700 |
| Self-employed | 0.5% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Truck driver | $58,640 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Train conductor | $78,000 | High school diploma |
| Air traffic controller | $148,080 | Associate's degree |
| Airline pilot | $232,140 | Bachelor's degree |
| Flight attendant | $63,580 | High school diploma |
| Warehouse worker | $40,240 | No formal education |
| Bus driver | $59,050 | High school diploma |
| School bus driver | $47,920 | High school diploma |
Questions about forklift operator pay
How much does a forklift operator make an hour?
The median is $22.32 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $17.71 and the top 10% over $30.06.
How much does a forklift operator make a month?
About $3,868 a month before taxes at the median salary of $46,420, or $1,785 every two weeks.
What state pays forklift operators the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $83,720. New Mexico ($62,150), Delaware ($60,350), Wyoming ($59,820) and New Hampshire ($54,460) follow.
Where do forklift operators make the most after cost of living?
The District of Columbia: its median of $83,720 is worth $76,178 at typical US prices. New Mexico, Wyoming and Delaware come next.
How much do entry-level forklift operators make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of forklift operators earn under $36,840 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $40,030, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a forklift operator?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as no formal educational credential. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 53-7051 (Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.