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Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary in Lindsborg, KS

How much does a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler make in Lindsborg, KS?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler in Lindsborg, KS is $39,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $45,927
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,150 to $42,750
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,319
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, skills 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): $38,697
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $39,253
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $40,402
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $40,558
  • Expert (over 8 years): $40,819
Levels Salary
Entry Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$38,697
Intermediate Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$39,253
Senior Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$40,402
Specialist Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$40,558
Expert Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler$40,819
View as Graph

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 $40,438
3%
Products and Services $40,438
3%
Equipment Operation $40,438
3%
Get Latest Data

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 $43,919. While startup companies pay approximate $37,167.

Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $37,167
Growth Stage 51~500 $39,302
Established 501~5000 $42,415
Enterprise 5000+ $43,919

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$47,112$23.020%
Aerospace & Defense$43,971$21.012%
Pharmaceuticals$43,186$21.010%
Software & Networking$43,186$21.010%
Construction$42,401$20.08%

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
$36,150
Average $39,260/year
$42,750
$3,013
Average $3,272/month
$3,563
$695
Average $755/week
$822
$17
Average $19/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,750 $3,563 $822 $21
Average $39,260 $3,272 $755 $19
25th Percentile $36,150 $3,013 $695 $17

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 $47,900 22%
Construction Equipment Operator II $47,000 20%
Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane $50,300 28%

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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