As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Driver in South Dakota is $38,902 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Forklift Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $38,436 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Driver | $38,989 |
| Senior Level Forklift Driver | $40,123 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Driver | $40,278 |
| Expert Level Forklift Driver | $40,536 |
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:
Forklift Driver salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,556. While startup companies pay approximate $36,850.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $36,850 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $38,969 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,066 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,556 |
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 | $46,682 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $43,570 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $42,792 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $42,792 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $42,014 | $20.0 | 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $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 Forklift Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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