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Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III in the United States is $46,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,870
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,300 to $51,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,204
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salaries

A Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III 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 Forklift/Jack Materials Handler IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $51,700.
  • California: $51,500.
  • Massachusetts: $50,800.

Top Paying Cities for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler IIIs

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: $58,900
  • San Francisco: $58,200
  • Oakland: $57,000

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.4% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 3.31% 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 1.57% 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.4%
Inventory Control 3.31%
ERP 1.57%
See More Skills

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 III's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $51,837
11%
Coordination $49,969
7%
Communicates Effectively $49,969
7%
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Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,189. While startup companies pay approximate $44,147.

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $44,147
Growth Stage 51~500 $46,690
Established 501~5000 $50,395
Enterprise 5000+ $52,189

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

For Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Forklift/Jack Materials Handler positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$56,040$27.020%
Pharmaceuticals$56,040$27.020%
Construction$53,705$26.015%
Aerospace & Defense$51,370$25.010%
Media$51,370$25.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forklift/Jack Materials Handler IIIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $45,990 and $49,100).

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 76.4%
Associates 12.7%
Bachelors 9.1%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III'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 September 01, 2026
$43,300
Average $46,700/year
$51,500
$3,608
Average $3,892/month
$4,292
$833
Average $898/week
$990
$21
Average $22/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,500 $4,292 $990 $25
Average $46,700 $3,892 $898 $22
25th Percentile $43,300 $3,608 $833 $21

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III Salary Growth & Career Path

Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III

Next Role

For a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Load Planning Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,100 - a projected growth of 65% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III

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

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FAQ about Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III

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

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do forklift mechanics make in the US?

How much does a Forklift Mechanic make in the USA? The average salary for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler ranges from $43,500 to $53,700 per year, with a mid-salary of $48,200. Entry-level positions typically start at $43,500, while experienced workers can earn up to $53,700 annually.

3. Are forklift jobs worth it?

Are you wondering if getting forklift certified is worth it? On average, forklift operators earn between $43,500 and $53,700 annually. This certification can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay, making it a valuable investment for your career and ensuring workplace safety.

4. What is a better name for a material handler?

A better name for a material handler could be Warehouse Specialist. Other related job titles include Materials Coordinator and Materials Specialist. The salary for a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler typically ranges from $43,500 to $53,700, with a mid-range salary of about $48,200.

5. What is a forklift mechanic called?

In the material handling world, forklift mechanics are actually called forklift technicians. The salary for this role typically ranges from a minimum of $43,500 to a maximum of $53,700, with a mid-range salary of about $48,200.

6. How much is a forklift operator paid in America?

The salary for a forklift/jack materials handler in the USA ranges from $43,500 to $53,700 per year, with a median salary of $48,200. This reflects the current market demand and the skills required for the role.

7. What is the highest pay for a material handler?

The highest pay for a materials handler is $53,700. The average salary for this role is around $48,200, with entry-level positions starting at $43,500. This reflects a more current salary range compared to previous data, highlighting the potential for higher earnings in this field.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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