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Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler in the United States is $42,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $50,029
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,370 to $46,560
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,293
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salaries

A Forklift Operator/Materials Handler'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 Operator/Materials Handler Salaries?

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

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $42,145
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $42,750
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $44,001
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $44,172
  • Expert (over 8 years): $44,456
Levels Salary
Entry Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$42,145
Intermediate Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$42,750
Senior Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$44,001
Specialist Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$44,172
Expert Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$44,456
View as Graph

How Do Forklift Operator/Materials Handler 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 Operator/Materials Handlers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $47,340.
  • California: $47,160.
  • Massachusetts: $46,530.

Top Paying Cities for Forklift Operator/Materials Handlers

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: $53,920
  • San Francisco: $53,330
  • Oakland: $52,210

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 5.41% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Container (Mentioned in 4.03% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
  • Shipping and Receiving (Mentioned in 1.93% Job Postings): Managing and maintaining records of all products shipped and received to ensure the correct filing of orders.
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 5.41%
Container 4.03%
Shipping and Receiving 1.93%
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 Operator/Materials Handler's salary.

  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Equipment Operation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Initiative $44,033
3%
Products and Services $44,033
3%
Equipment Operation $44,033
3%
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Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $47,823. While startup companies pay approximate $40,471.

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,471
Growth Stage 51~500 $42,795
Established 501~5000 $46,186
Enterprise 5000+ $47,823

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Forklift Operator/Materials Handler 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 Operator/Materials Handler positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forklift Operator/Materials Handler as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$51,300$25.020%
Aerospace & Defense$47,880$23.012%
Pharmaceuticals$47,025$23.010%
Software & Networking$47,025$23.010%
Construction$46,170$22.08%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forklift Operator/Materials Handlers 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 Operator/Materials Handler with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $39,971 and $42,410).

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.2%
High School 80.2%
Associates 10.4%
Bachelors 3.9%
Masters 0.3%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler'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
$39,370
Average $42,750/year
$46,560
$3,281
Average $3,563/month
$3,880
$757
Average $822/week
$895
$19
Average $21/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,560 $3,880 $895 $22
Average $42,750 $3,563 $822 $21
25th Percentile $39,370 $3,281 $757 $19

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary Growth & Career Path

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler, 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 $52,100 22%
Construction Equipment Operator II $51,100 20%
Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane $54,700 28%

Most common benefits for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

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

Common company salaries for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

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

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FAQ about Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

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

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

2. What is the highest paying forklift job?

In 2024, Skidder Operators and Stacker Operators are among the highest-paid forklift jobs, with salaries reaching up to $57,500 and $45,000 annually, respectively. Certified Forklift Operators can earn between $38,850 and $48,550, with a median salary of $43,040, significantly enhancing their earning potential in the industry.

3. What is the best paying forklift job?

The best paying forklift jobs typically offer salaries ranging from $38,850 to $48,550 per year, with a mid-salary of $43,040. These positions are available in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, retail, food service, and warehouse storage. Additional responsibilities may accompany the operation of the forklift.

4. Do you need a license to be a material handler?

Some companies require material handlers to have specific certifications, such as a forklift operation license. Obtaining this certification can enhance your job prospects. The salary for forklift operators/material handlers typically ranges from $38,850 to $48,550, with a median salary of around $43,040, making it a worthwhile investment in your career.

5. What is the highest paid forklift operator?

The highest paid forklift operator earns a maximum salary of $48,550. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $38,850, with a mid-level salary around $43,040. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

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

The highest pay for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler is $48,550. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $38,850, with a mid-range salary of $43,040.

7. What is the highest paid forklift operator?

The highest paid forklift operator positions typically offer salaries above the average range for this role. For example, while the average salary for a forklift operator is between $38,850 and $48,550, specialized roles like Skidder Operators can earn between $52,500 and $57,500 annually, significantly exceeding the standard pay for general forklift operators.

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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