What are the main factors that influence an Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Equipment Operator - Forklift?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Equipment Operator - Forklift roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

How does experience change An Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary?

An Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary grows with experience: starting around $39,077 for beginners, reaching about $40,797 at mid-level, and approach $41,217 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for an Equipment Operator - Forklift?

Equipment Operator - Forklift salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Equipment Operator - Forklift roles are District of Columbia $47,400, California $47,200, Massachusetts $46,600. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Equipment Operator - Forklift roles make?

Salaries for Equipment Operator - Forklift level roles vary by specialization: Certified Forklift Operator: $43,715; Stand Up Forklift Operator: $42,953; Warehouse Forklift Operator: $42,803; Forklift Operator/Materials Handler: $42,750; Experienced forklift operator: $42,662.

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary in New Mexico

How much does an Equipment Operator - Forklift make in New Mexico?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator - Forklift in New Mexico is $39,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, an Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,478
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,500 to $43,200
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,678

10% $33,678

50% (Median) $39,600

90% $46,478

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$43,200	$3,600	$831	$21
Average	$39,600	$3,300	$762	$19
25th Percentile	$36,500	$3,042	$702	$18

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Key Factors That Influence Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries

An Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Equipment Operator - Forklift's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $39,077
Early Career (1-2 years): $39,641
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $40,797
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $40,955
Expert (over 8 years): $41,217

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Equipment Operator - Forklift	$39,077
Intermediate Level Equipment Operator - Forklift	$39,641
Senior Level Equipment Operator - Forklift	$40,797
Specialist Level Equipment Operator - Forklift	$40,955
Expert Level Equipment Operator - Forklift	$41,217

View as Graph

How Do Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Equipment Operator - Forklifts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $47,400.
California: $47,200.
Massachusetts: $46,600.

District of Columbia $47,400 California $47,200 Massachusetts $46,600 Washington $46,400 New Jersey $46,400 Alaska $46,300 Connecticut $45,700 New York $45,500

Hawaii $44,700 Rhode Island $44,400 Maryland $44,100 Minnesota $43,800 Colorado $43,700 Illinois $43,600 Oregon $43,500 Delaware $43,300

New Hampshire $43,300 Virginia $43,100 Pennsylvania $42,600 Nevada $42,400 North Dakota $42,300 Michigan $42,100 Wisconsin $42,100 Vermont $42,000

Ohio $41,700 Arizona $41,700 Maine $41,700 Texas $41,700 Georgia $41,300 Indiana $41,100 Wyoming $41,000 Utah $41,000

Iowa $41,000 Kansas $40,800 Louisiana $40,700 North Carolina $40,700 Missouri $40,700 Florida $40,500 Montana $40,400 Nebraska $40,300

Kentucky $40,300 South Carolina $40,100 Tennessee $40,000 Idaho $40,000 New Mexico $39,600 Oklahoma $39,600 Alabama $39,300 South Dakota $38,900

Arkansas $38,700 West Virginia $38,500 Mississippi $38,200

Top Paying Cities for Equipment Operator - Forklifts

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Algodones: $40,100
Belen: $39,800
Bernalillo: $40,100

Algodones, NM $40,100 Belen, NM $39,800 Bernalillo, NM $40,100 Bluewater, NM $39,300 Bosque, NM $39,500 Casa Blanca, NM $39,600 Cedar Crest, NM $40,200 Cedarvale, NM $38,600

Cerrillos, NM $40,100 Claunch, NM $38,500 Coyote, NM $39,500 Cuba, NM $39,400 Cubero, NM $39,700 Edgewood, NM $40,000 Estancia, NM $39,500 Gallina, NM $39,300

Counselor, NM $39,300 Grants, NM $39,200 Milan, NM $39,400 Isleta, NM $40,200 Jarales, NM $39,800 Jemez Pueblo, NM $39,900 Jemez Springs, NM $39,700 Laguna, NM $39,900

La Jara, NM $39,400 La Joya, NM $39,300 Lindrith, NM $39,300 Los Lunas, NM $40,100 Mcintosh, NM $39,700 Pueblo Of Acoma, NM $39,500 Moriarty, NM $39,600 Mountainair, NM $39,200

Nageezi, NM $39,300 New Laguna, NM $39,700 Paguate, NM $39,700 Pena Blanca, NM $40,200 Peralta, NM $40,100 Placitas, NM $40,100 Ponderosa, NM $39,800 Prewitt, NM $39,300

Regina, NM $39,300 Sandia Park, NM $40,100 Corrales, NM $40,200 San Fidel, NM $39,500 San Rafael, NM $39,300 Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM $40,100 San Ysidro, NM $40,000 Stanley, NM $39,600

Tijeras, NM $40,100 Tome, NM $40,000 Torreon, NM $39,900 Veguita, NM $39,500 Willard, NM $39,100 Youngsville, NM $39,500 Bosque Farms, NM $40,200 Clines Corners, NM $39,400

Cochiti Pueblo, NM $40,100 Cochiti Lake, NM $40,200 Albuquerque, NM $40,200 Kirtland Afb, NM $40,200 Rio Rancho, NM $40,200 Gallup, NM $39,300 Brimhall, NM $39,200 Church Rock, NM $39,200

Continental Divide, NM $39,200 Crownpoint, NM $39,300 Fence Lake, NM $39,100 Fort Wingate, NM $39,200 Gamerco, NM $39,300 Mentmore, NM $39,200 Mexican Springs, NM $39,200 Ramah, NM $39,200

Rehoboth, NM $39,300 Thoreau, NM $39,300 Tohatchi, NM $39,200 Vanderwagen, NM $39,200 Zuni, NM $39,200 Navajo, NM $39,300 Jamestown, NM $39,200 Pinehill, NM $39,100

Sheep Springs, NM $39,300 Smith Lake, NM $39,400 Yatahey, NM $39,300 Farmington, NM $39,400 Aztec, NM $39,500 Blanco, NM $39,300 Bloomfield, NM $39,300 Flora Vista, NM $39,500

Fruitland, NM $39,200 Kirtland, NM $39,500 La Plata, NM $39,500 Navajo Dam, NM $39,500 Shiprock, NM $39,400 Waterflow, NM $39,400 Newcomb, NM $39,200 Sanostee, NM $39,300

Santa Fe, NM $40,400 Abiquiu, NM $39,300 Alcalde, NM $40,000 Amalia, NM $39,300 Arroyo Hondo, NM $39,200 Arroyo Seco, NM $39,300 Canjilon, NM $39,200 Canones, NM $39,600

Carson, NM $39,400 Cebolla, NM $39,200 Cerro, NM $39,300 Chama, NM $39,400 Chamisal, NM $39,900 Chimayo, NM $40,200 Cordova, NM $40,100 Costilla, NM $39,400

Taos Ski Valley, NM $39,100 Dixon, NM $39,900 Dulce, NM $39,400 El Prado, NM $39,300 El Rito, NM $39,500 Embudo, NM $39,700 Espanola, NM $40,200 Glorieta, NM $40,300

Hernandez, NM $39,800 Ilfeld, NM $39,900 La Madera, NM $39,400 Lamy, NM $40,100 Llano, NM $39,800 Los Alamos, NM $40,200 White Rock, NM $40,300 Medanales, NM $39,800

Ojo Caliente, NM $39,600 Los Ojos, NM $39,300 Pecos, NM $40,200 Penasco, NM $39,700 Petaca, NM $39,200 Questa, NM $39,300 Ranchos De Taos, NM $39,500 Red River, NM $39,200

Ribera, NM $39,400 Rowe, NM $40,000 San Cristobal, NM $39,200 San Jose, NM $39,900 Ohkay Owingeh, NM $40,100 Santa Cruz, NM $40,200 Serafina, NM $39,300 Taos, NM $39,300

Tererro, NM $40,300 Tesuque, NM $40,400 Tierra Amarilla, NM $39,300 Trampas, NM $39,700 Tres Piedras, NM $39,200 Truchas, NM $40,000 Vadito, NM $39,600 Valdez, NM $39,200

Vallecitos, NM $39,200 Velarde, NM $39,800 Villanueva, NM $39,400 Spaceport City, NM $38,600 Las Vegas, NM $39,000 Angel Fire, NM $39,100 Anton Chico, NM $39,000 Buena Vista, NM $39,300

Chacon, NM $39,300 Cimarron, NM $39,100 Cleveland, NM $39,600 Eagle Nest, NM $39,100 Guadalupita, NM $39,300 Holman, NM $39,500 La Loma, NM $38,900 Maxwell, NM $39,100

Miami, NM $39,000 Mills, NM $38,900 Montezuma, NM $39,800 Mora, NM $39,700 Mosquero, NM $38,800 Ocate, NM $39,100 Ojo Feliz, NM $39,200 Rainsville, NM $39,300

Raton, NM $39,200 Rociada, NM $39,800 Roy, NM $38,900 Sapello, NM $39,500 Solano, NM $38,800 Springer, NM $39,000 Ute Park, NM $39,100 Valmora, NM $39,000

Wagon Mound, NM $38,900 Watrous, NM $39,000 Socorro, NM $38,900 Aragon, NM $39,000 Datil, NM $38,900 Lemitar, NM $39,100 Luna, NM $39,100 Magdalena, NM $38,900

Pie Town, NM $39,000 Polvadera, NM $39,200 Quemado, NM $39,100 Reserve, NM $39,000 San Acacia, NM $39,300 San Antonio, NM $38,700 Truth Or Consequences, NM $38,700 Arrey, NM $38,700

Caballo, NM $38,700 Derry, NM $38,500 Elephant Butte, NM $38,800 Garfield, NM $38,400 Hatch, NM $37,800 Monticello, NM $38,700 Rincon, NM $37,600 Salem, NM $38,300

Williamsburg, NM $38,700 Winston, NM $38,700 Las Cruces, NM $37,100 White Sands Missile Range, NM $37,200 Santa Teresa, NM $37,500 Playas, NM $38,900 Animas, NM $39,000 Anthony, NM $37,500

Arenas Valley, NM $38,900 Bayard, NM $38,900 Berino, NM $37,300 Buckhorn, NM $38,900 Santa Clara, NM $38,900 Chamberino, NM $37,300 Cliff, NM $38,900 Columbus, NM $38,800

Deming, NM $38,800 Dona Ana, NM $37,100 Fairacres, NM $37,200 Faywood, NM $38,700 Fort Bayard, NM $38,900 Gila, NM $38,800 Glenwood, NM $38,800 Hachita, NM $38,800

Hanover, NM $38,800 Hillsboro, NM $38,700 Hurley, NM $38,800 La Mesa, NM $37,800 Lordsburg, NM $38,800 Mesilla, NM $37,100 Mesilla Park, NM $37,100 Mesquite, NM $37,100

Mimbres, NM $38,800 Mule Creek, NM $38,900 Organ, NM $37,100 Pinos Altos, NM $38,900 Radium Springs, NM $37,100 Redrock, NM $38,800 Rodeo, NM $39,000 San Miguel, NM $37,100

Silver City, NM $38,900 Sunland Park, NM $37,300 Tyrone, NM $39,000 Vado, NM $37,100 Chaparral, NM $37,600 Clovis, NM $38,800 Cannon Afb, NM $38,700 Broadview, NM $38,700

Causey, NM $38,600 Crossroads, NM $38,500 Dora, NM $38,700 Elida, NM $38,500 Floyd, NM $38,600 Fort Sumner, NM $38,600 Grady, NM $38,700 House, NM $38,700

Kenna, NM $38,500 Lingo, NM $38,600 Melrose, NM $38,700 Milnesand, NM $38,500 Pep, NM $38,600 Portales, NM $38,700 Rogers, NM $38,600 Saint Vrain, NM $38,700

Taiban, NM $38,600 Texico, NM $38,700 Yeso, NM $38,400 Roswell, NM $38,500 Artesia, NM $38,600 Caprock, NM $38,500 Carlsbad, NM $38,600 Dexter, NM $38,500

Eunice, NM $38,600 Hagerman, NM $38,500 Hobbs, NM $38,700 Hope, NM $38,400 Jal, NM $38,600 Lake Arthur, NM $38,500 Lakewood, NM $38,500 Loco Hills, NM $38,600

Loving, NM $38,600 Lovington, NM $38,600 Mcdonald, NM $38,500 Malaga, NM $38,500 Maljamar, NM $38,500 Monument, NM $38,600 Tatum, NM $38,600 Whites City, NM $38,600

Carrizozo, NM $38,300 Alamogordo, NM $38,200 Alto, NM $38,300 Bent, NM $38,200 Capitan, NM $38,200 Cloudcroft, NM $38,200 Corona, NM $38,500 Encino, NM $38,800

Fort Stanton, NM $38,200 Glencoe, NM $38,200 High Rolls Mountain Park, NM $38,200 Holloman Air Force Base, NM $38,200 Hondo, NM $38,200 La Luz, NM $38,200 Lincoln, NM $38,100 Mayhill, NM $38,300

Mescalero, NM $38,200 Nogal, NM $38,400 Orogrande, NM $38,200 Picacho, NM $38,200 Pinon, NM $38,400 Ruidoso, NM $38,400 Ruidoso Downs, NM $38,300 Sacramento, NM $38,200

San Patricio, NM $38,300 Sunspot, NM $38,200 Timberon, NM $38,300 Tinnie, NM $38,200 Tularosa, NM $38,200 Vaughn, NM $38,600 Weed, NM $38,300 Tucumcari, NM $38,800

Amistad, NM $38,800 Bard, NM $38,700 Capulin, NM $39,100 Clayton, NM $38,800 Conchas Dam, NM $38,900 Cuervo, NM $38,700 Des Moines, NM $39,000 Folsom, NM $39,000

Garita, NM $38,800 Gladstone, NM $38,900 Grenville, NM $38,900 Logan, NM $38,800 Mcalister, NM $38,700 Nara Visa, NM $38,700 Newkirk, NM $38,800 Quay, NM $38,800

San Jon, NM $38,700 Santa Rosa, NM $38,800 Sedan, NM $38,800 Trementina, NM $38,800

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Equipment Operator - Forklift salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $44,299. While startup companies pay approximate $37,489.

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size

Company Size	Employees	Average Salary
Startup	1~50	$37,489
Growth Stage	51~500	$39,642
Established	501~5000	$42,783
Enterprise	5000+	$44,299

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Equipment Operator - Forklift roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Equipment Operator - Forklift positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Equipment Operator - Forklift as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Equipment Operator - Forklift

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities	$47,520	$23.0	20%
Aerospace & Defense	$44,352	$21.0	12%
Pharmaceuticals	$43,560	$21.0	10%
Software & Networking	$43,560	$21.0	10%
Construction	$42,768	$21.0	8%

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Equipment Operator - Forklift's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

$36,500

Average $39,600/year

$43,200

$3,042

Average $3,300/month

$3,600

$702

Average $762/week

$831

$18

Average $19/hour

$21

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$43,200	$3,600	$831	$21
Average	$39,600	$3,300	$762	$19
25th Percentile	$36,500	$3,042	$702	$18

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary Growth & Career Path

Equipment Operator - Forklift

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Equipment Operator - Forklift, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role	Estimate Salary	Projected Raise
Equipment Operator-Crane	$48,300	22%
Construction Equipment Operator II	$47,400	20%
Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane	$50,700	28%

Find Your Next Equipment Operator - Forklift Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary in New Mexico

How much does an Equipment Operator - Forklift make in New Mexico?

Key Factors That Influence Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries?

How Do Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Equipment Operator - Forklifts

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for an Equipment Operator - Forklift

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary Growth & Career Path

Find Your Next Equipment Operator - Forklift Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary in New Mexico

How much does an Equipment Operator - Forklift make in New Mexico?

Key Factors That Influence Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries?

How Do Equipment Operator - Forklift Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Equipment Operator - Forklifts

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Company Size

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for an Equipment Operator - Forklift

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Equipment Operator - Forklift Salary Growth & Career Path

Salaries of Jobs related to Equipment Operator - Forklift

Find Your Next Equipment Operator - Forklift Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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