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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Forklift Operator in New Jersey is $46,403 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Warehouse Forklift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Warehouse Forklift Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,503 | $4,209 | $971 | $24 |
| Average | $46,403 | $3,867 | $892 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,703 | $3,559 | $821 | $21 |
Express Employment Professionals - Hackettstown, NJ
Spherion - Flemington, NJ
Johanna Foods, Inc. - Flemington, NJ
New Castle Building Products - Piscataway, NJ
A Warehouse Forklift Operator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Warehouse Forklift Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | $45,843 |
| Intermediate Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | $46,503 |
| Senior Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | $47,855 |
| Specialist Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | $48,039 |
| Expert Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | $48,347 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Warehouse Forklift Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Warehouse Forklift Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,019. While startup companies pay approximate $44,022.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $44,022 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $46,553 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $50,239 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $52,019 |
For Warehouse Forklift Operator 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, Warehouse Forklift Operator positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Warehouse Forklift Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $55,684 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,971 | $25.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $51,043 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $51,043 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $50,115 | $24.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Warehouse Forklift Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $50,503 | $4,209 | $971 | $24 |
| Average | $46,403 | $3,867 | $892 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,703 | $3,559 | $821 | $21 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Warehouse Forklift Operator, 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 | $56,500 | 22% |
| Construction Equipment Operator II | $55,400 | 19% |
| Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane | $59,300 | 28% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Warehouse Forklift Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HY STAFFING
Linden, NJ
HY STAFFING | Linden, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. We're currently hiring experienced Forklift Operators. We are looking for responsible and reliable team members who are i... more
5 Days Ago
Rugby Architectural Building Products
Carlstadt, NJ
Rugby Architectural Building Products | Carlstadt, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Position. We are growing and seeking a seasoned Warehouse Associate/Forklift Operator for our building material distribut... more
6 Days Ago
Pantera Logistics
Flemington, NJ
Pantera Logistics | Flemington, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Pantera Logistics in Flemington, NJ has an opening for a Forklift Operator. . Job Summary. Operate industrial forklift tr... more
6 Days Ago
Utica Specialty Foods LLC
Kenilworth, NJ
Utica Specialty Foods LLC | Kenilworth, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Small Food Manufacturing company is looking to add a warehouse associate. The ideal candidates will perform the following... more
6 Days Ago
Bob's Discount Furniture
Piscataway, NJ
Bob's Discount Furniture | Piscataway, NJ
Utility Equipment Operator. This position will require a knowledge of both Shipping & Receiving processes. Flexibility in job assignments as well as the ve... more
7 Days Ago
Bob's Discount Furniture
Piscataway, NJ
Bob's Discount Furniture | Piscataway, NJ
Receiving Equipment Operator. The Receiving Equipment Operator is responsible for accurately putting away product in the designated locations throughout th... more
5 Days Ago
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