Forklift Instructor Salary in the United States

How much does a Forklift Instructor make?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $38,043
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,295 to $35,962
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,127
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View as table View as graph 25% $31,295 10% $29,127 90% $38,043 75% $35,962 $33,676 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Forklift Instructor Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $35,962 $2,997 $692 $17
Average $33,676 $2,806 $648 $16
25th Percentile $31,295 $2,608 $602 $15
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Key Factors That Influence Forklift Instructor Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Forklift Instructor Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $34,004
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $34,242
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $34,789
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $34,898
  • Expert (over 8 years): $34,971
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
$34,004 0 yr
$34,242 < 2 yrs
$34,789 2-4 yrs
$34,898 5-8 yrs
$34,971 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Forklift Instructor 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 Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • California: $37,145.
  • Massachusetts: $36,650.
  • New Jersey: $36,502

How Education impacts a Forklift Instructor's Salary?

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

Last Updated on November 01, 2025
Typical Education for Forklift Instructor
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.0%
High School 50.0%
Associates 40.0%
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Forklift Instructor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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, 2025

Salary Trends for Forklift Instructors

Salaries 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, .

Average Annual Salary of Forklift Instructor Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$35,329
2024
$35,588
2025
$35,408
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $35,329
2024 $35,588
2025 $35,408
2026
View More

Forklift Instructor bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 73.4%
Bonuses -0.8%
Social Security 5.6%
401k/403b 2.9%
Disability 0.7%
Healthcare 7.4%
Pension 3.2%
Time Off 7.6%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $33,676 73.4%
Bonus $-371 -0.8%
Value of Benefits
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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Most common benefits for Forklift Instructor

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Forklift Instructor

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forklift Instructor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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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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