As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator - Forklift in South Dakota is $38,900 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:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Equipment Operator - Forklift | $38,343 |
| Intermediate Level Equipment Operator - Forklift | $38,897 |
| Senior Level Equipment Operator - Forklift | $40,031 |
| Specialist Level Equipment Operator - Forklift | $40,185 |
| Expert Level Equipment Operator - Forklift | $40,443 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
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 $43,608. While startup companies pay approximate $36,904.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $36,904 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $39,026 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,116 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,608 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $46,680 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $43,568 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $42,790 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $42,790 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $42,012 | $20.0 | 8% |
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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Operator-Crane | $47,400 | 22% |
| Construction Equipment Operator II | $46,500 | 20% |
| Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane | $49,700 | 28% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Equipment Operator - Forklift job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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