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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Driver in Pennsylvania is $42,602 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Forklift Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forklift Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,402 | $3,867 | $892 | $22 |
| Average | $42,602 | $3,550 | $819 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,202 | $3,267 | $754 | $19 |
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Covington, PA
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Imperial, PA
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Costco Wholesale Corporation - Mechanicsburg, PA
A Forklift Driver'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 a Forklift Driver'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 Forklift Driver | $42,103 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Driver | $42,709 |
| Senior Level Forklift Driver | $43,951 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Driver | $44,120 |
| Expert Level Forklift Driver | $44,403 |
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 Forklift Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Forklift Driver salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,758. While startup companies pay approximate $40,416.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $40,416 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $42,740 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $46,124 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $47,758 |
For Forklift Driver 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, Forklift Driver positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forklift Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $51,122 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,714 | $23.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $46,862 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $46,862 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $46,010 | $22.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Forklift Driver'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,402 | $3,867 | $892 | $22 |
| Average | $42,602 | $3,550 | $819 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,202 | $3,267 | $754 | $19 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Forklift Driver, 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 | $51,900 | 22% |
| Construction Equipment Operator II | $50,900 | 19% |
| Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane | $54,500 | 28% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forklift Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Surge
Bethlehem, PA
Surge | Bethlehem, PA
Forklift Driver. We are seeking a skilled and reliable Forklift Driver with required reach truck experience to support daily warehouse operations. This rol... more
6 Days Ago
Jillamy Inc
Fairless Hills, PA
Jillamy Inc | Fairless Hills, PA
Forklift Operator. This position is responsible for safe forklift operation as well as accurate and efficient order picking. Responsibilities/Duties/Functi... more
6 Days Ago
Staffmark
Pittsburgh, PA
Staffmark | Pittsburgh, PA
Forklift Driver. Now hiring Forklift Driver Location Pittsburgh, PA Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour Schedule: 2nd Shift | Monday Friday | 1:00 PM 9:30 PM + OT as... more
6 Days Ago
Staffmark
Montgomeryville, PA
Staffmark | Montgomeryville, PA
Forklift Driver. Now hiring for a Forklift Driver Location: Montgomeryville, PA Pay Rate: $20.19 per hour Schedule: Monday Friday | 7 AM -3:30 PM. Looking ... more
6 Days Ago
Kronospan Holdings Ltd.
Clarion, PA
Kronospan Holdings Ltd. | Clarion, PA
Position descriptionJob titleForklift DriverContract typeFull-timeAbout usWho We Are:Clarion Laminates is part of Kronospan USA - the world's leading manuf... more
7 Days Ago
Elwood Staffing
Lebanon, PA
Elwood Staffing | Lebanon, PA
Forklift DriverElwood Staffing is hiring Forklift Operators in Jonestown, PA start ASAP. Join an established third-party logistics warehouse that supports ... more
7 Days Ago
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