What are the main factors that influence a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Forklift Operator/Materials Handler's salary?

A Forklift Operator/Materials Handler's salary grows with experience: starting around $46,674 for beginners, reaching about $48,729 at mid-level, and approach $49,233 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler?

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler roles are District of Columbia $47,340, California $47,160, Massachusetts $46,530. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Forklift Operator/Materials Handler roles make?

Salaries for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler level roles vary by specialization: Forklift/Jack Materials Handler III: $46,700; Materials Handler III: $46,626; Freight Handler Forklift Operator: $42,446; Material Handler Forklift: $42,019; Forklift/Jack Materials Handler II: $41,400.

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Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler make in District of Columbia?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler in District of Columbia is $47,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,402
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,600 to $51,560
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,195

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Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$51,560	$4,297	$992	$25
Average	$47,340	$3,945	$910	$23
25th Percentile	$43,600	$3,633	$838	$21

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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 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): $46,674
Early Career (1-2 years): $47,344
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $48,729
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $48,918
Expert (over 8 years): $49,233

Levels	Salary
Entry Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler	$46,674
Intermediate Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler	$47,344
Senior Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler	$48,729
Specialist Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler	$48,918
Expert Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler	$49,233

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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.

District of Columbia $47,340 California $47,160 Massachusetts $46,530 Washington $46,360 New Jersey $46,340 Alaska $46,290 Connecticut $45,700 New York $45,460

Hawaii $44,690 Rhode Island $44,330 Maryland $44,090 Minnesota $43,750 Colorado $43,630 Illinois $43,580 Oregon $43,420 Delaware $43,300

New Hampshire $43,230 Virginia $43,060 Pennsylvania $42,570 Nevada $42,320 North Dakota $42,240 Michigan $42,110 Wisconsin $42,060 Vermont $41,970

Texas $41,710 Maine $41,690 Arizona $41,660 Ohio $41,630 Georgia $41,240 Indiana $41,040 Wyoming $41,010 Utah $40,950

Iowa $40,920 Kansas $40,710 Louisiana $40,650 North Carolina $40,630 Missouri $40,620 Florida $40,460 Montana $40,370 Nebraska $40,280

Kentucky $40,240 South Carolina $40,060 Tennessee $39,960 Idaho $39,910 New Mexico $39,600 Oklahoma $39,530 Alabama $39,280 South Dakota $38,860

Arkansas $38,630 West Virginia $38,500 Mississippi $38,130

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:

Parcel Return Service: $47,340
Washington: $47,340
Naval Anacost Annex: $47,340

Parcel Return Service, DC $47,340 Washington, DC $47,340 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $47,340 Washington Navy Yard, DC $47,340

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 April 01, 2026

$43,600

Average $47,340/year

$51,560

$3,633

Average $3,945/month

$4,297

$838

Average $910/week

$992

$21

Average $23/hour

$25

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$51,560	$4,297	$992	$25
Average	$47,340	$3,945	$910	$23
25th Percentile	$43,600	$3,633	$838	$21

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary Growth & Career Path

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler

Equipment Operator-Crane

Construction Equipment Operator II

Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane

Senior Equipment Operator-Crane

Construction Equipment Operator IV

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.

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role	Estimate Salary	Projected Raise
Equipment Operator-Crane	$57,700	22%
Construction Equipment Operator II	$56,600	20%
Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane	$60,600	28%

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