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Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary in the United States

How much does a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I in the United States is $37,050 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,769
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,500 to $39,520
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $32,178
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View as table View as graph 25% $34,500 10% $32,178 90% $41,769 75% $39,520 $37,050 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $39,520 $3,293 $760 $19
Average $37,050 $3,088 $713 $18
25th Percentile $34,500 $2,875 $663 $17
Check out Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salaries

A Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Forklift/Jack Materials Handler Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I'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:

  • Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I (0-1 years): $37,050
  • Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II (1-3 years): $41,327
  • Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III (3-5 years): $46,645
  • Materials Load Planning Supervisor (5+ years): $76,992
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I0-1 years$37,050
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II1-3 years$41,327
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III3-5 years$46,645
Materials Load Planning Supervisor5+ years$76,992
$37,050 Forklift/...
$41,327 Forklift/...
$46,645 Forklift/...
$76,992 Materials...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler Is

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:

  • San Jose: $46,740
  • San Francisco: $46,220
  • Oakland: $45,250

What Skills Can Increase a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 8.15% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.09% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
  • ERP (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 8.15%
Inventory Control 3.09%
ERP 1.47%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I's salary.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Troubleshooting
$39,644
7%
Microsoft Office
$39,273
6%
Hard Working
$38,903
5%
Leadership
$38,903
5%
Standard Operating Procedures
$38,532
4%
Inventory Management
$38,532
4%
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Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,475. While startup companies pay approximate $35,087.

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$35,087
Growth Stage51~500$37,109
Established501~5000$40,052
Enterprise5000+$41,475

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 28% above the average. In contrast, Forklift/Jack Materials Handler positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$47,331$23.028%
Energy & Utilities$45,479$22.023%
Biotechnology$43,626$21.018%
Financial Services$41,774$20.013%
Software & Networking$41,774$20.013%

How Education impacts a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forklift/Jack Materials Handler Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I with a No Diploma is between $33,500 and $35,638).

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.7%
High School 67.3%
Associates 11.2%
Bachelors 16.8%
Masters 0.9%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I'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, 2026

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I, 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.

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Medical Materials Mover $37,500 1%
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II $41,400 12%

Salary Trends for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I

Salaries for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,167 in 2023 to around $40,888 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$41,167
2024
$41,183
2025
$40,888
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $41,167
2024 $41,183
2025 $40,888
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I

Here are companies hiring for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Aya Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

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  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

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    16 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

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  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Payments Engineering. About the Company. Globally-recognized provider of corporate payment solutions. Industry. Financial Services. Type. P... more

    23 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

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    23 Days Ago

  • USPS

    Columbus, OH

    USPS | Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I roles, with salaries approximately 28% above the market median.

2. What is a forklift mechanic called?

In the material handling world, forklift mechanics are referred to as forklift technicians. Their salaries typically range from a minimum of $34,190 to a maximum of $41,760, with a median salary around $37,480, reflecting their expertise in maintaining and repairing forklifts and other material handling equipment.

3. How much is a forklift operator paid in the USA?

The salary for a forklift/jack materials handler in the USA ranges from a minimum of $34,190 to a maximum of $41,760 per year, with a mid-range salary of $37,480. This translates to an hourly wage between approximately $16.43 and $20.05, depending on experience and location.

4. What state pays forklift operators the most?

The general labor forklift operator earns a salary range of $34,190 to $41,760 per year. The highest-paying states for this role include Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. In 2024, top companies hiring forklift operators are DHL Supply Chain and Walmart.

5. What is the highest paying forklift job?

The highest paying forklift job typically falls within the range of $34,190 to $41,760 per year for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler. While specific roles like Skidder Operator may offer higher salaries, the average for this position is around $37,480 annually, making it a competitive option in the forklift job market.

6. What is a good salary package in USA?

A good salary package in the USA varies by job and location. For a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler, the salary ranges from $34,190 to $41,760, with a midpoint of $37,480. This is significantly lower than the average salaries in states like New York and California, which exceed $70,000.

7. How much do professional handlers make?

Professional Forklift/Jack Materials Handlers earn an annual salary ranging from $34,190 to $41,760, with a median salary of $37,480. This indicates a competitive wage for those in the field, reflecting the importance of their role in material handling and logistics.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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