As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Forklift Worker in the United States is $42,730 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Forklift Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Forklift Worker'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 Worker'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 Worker | $42,878 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Worker | $43,501 |
| Senior Level Forklift Worker | $44,779 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Worker | $44,954 |
| Expert Level Forklift Worker | $45,244 |
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 Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Forklift Workers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Worker with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $41,051 and $43,453.
Forklift Worker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 80.2% |
| Associates | 10.4% |
| Bachelors | 3.9% |
| Masters | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Forklift Worker'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 Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,998 in 2023 to around $46,630 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Forklift Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $46,998 |
| 2024 | $46,878 |
| 2025 | $46,630 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $42,730 | 61.1% |
| Bonus | $4,098 | 5.9% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $3,552 | 5.1% |
| 401K/403B | $1,950 | 2.8% |
| Disability | $929 | 1.3% |
| Healthcare | $8,497 | 12.1% |
| Pension | $2,507 | 3.6% |
| Time Off | $5,714 | 8.2% |
| Total Compensation | $69,977 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Forklift Worker and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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