As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Forklift Instructor in the United States is $33,676 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Forklift Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Forklift Instructor'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Forklift Instructor'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 Forklift Instructor | $34,004 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Instructor | $34,242 |
| Senior Level Forklift Instructor | $34,789 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Instructor | $34,898 |
| Expert Level Forklift Instructor | $34,971 |
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 Forklift Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forklift Instructors enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Instructor with a No Diploma is between $29,302 and $31,645.
Forklift Instructor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.0% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 40.0% |
Understanding how a Forklift Instructor'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Forklift Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $35,329 in 2023 to around $35,408 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Forklift Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $35,329 |
| 2024 | $35,588 |
| 2025 | $35,408 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $33,676 | 73.4% |
| Bonus | $-371 | -0.8% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $2,576 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $1,347 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $303 | 0.7% |
| Healthcare | $3,404 | 7.4% |
| Pension | $1,448 | 3.2% |
| Time Off | $3,497 | 7.6% |
| Total Compensation | $45,881 | 100% |
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