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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Forklift Worker in Tennessee is $39,921 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Forklift Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Forklift Worker Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,284 | $3,607 | $832 | $21 |
| Average | $39,921 | $3,327 | $768 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,468 | $3,039 | $701 | $18 |
Old Dominion - La Vergne, TN
Old Dominion Freight Line - La Vergne, TN
Branch 20 - Murfreesboro, TN
Dayton Freight - Jackson, TN
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 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 | $40,065 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Worker | $40,640 |
| Senior Level Forklift Worker | $41,827 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Worker | $41,989 |
| Expert Level Forklift Worker | $42,259 |
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:
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:
For Forklift Worker 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 Worker positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Forklift Worker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $47,905 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,711 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $43,913 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $43,913 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $43,114 | $21.0 | 8% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,284 | $3,607 | $832 | $21 |
| Average | $39,921 | $3,327 | $768 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,468 | $3,039 | $701 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Forklift Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Dayton Freight
Knoxville, TN
Dayton Freight | Knoxville, TN
Dock Worker. As a Dock Worker, you will load and unload freight in a productive, safe and claims-free manner. Although DFL Dock Workers do not work inside ... more
6 Days Ago
Old Dominion
White Pine, TN
Old Dominion | White Pine, TN
Old Dominion - - Responsibilities: Load and unload freight on trailers using a motorized forklift, pallet jack or manually in compliance with state and fed... more
6 Days Ago
Old Dominion Freight Line
White Pine, TN
Old Dominion Freight Line | White Pine, TN
Join The Od Family As A Dockworker. Are you someone who never rests on their laurels, always strives to go above and beyond, and is committed to keeping yo... more
7 Days Ago
Dayton Freight
Memphis, TN
Dayton Freight | Memphis, TN
Dock Worker. Available start time: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Stable and growing organization. Pay beginning at $23.95 per hour. Quick advancement. Professional, ... more
8 Days Ago
Dayton Freight
Lebanon, TN
Dayton Freight | Lebanon, TN
Part Time Dock Worker. This is a part time position available with flexible shift times. Monday - Friday | 4:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Monday - Friday | 5:00 AM - 1... more
8 Days Ago
Dayton Freight
Kingsport, TN
Dayton Freight | Kingsport, TN
Dock Worker. As a Dock Worker, you will load and unload freight in a productive, safe and claims-free manner. Although DFL Dock Workers do not work inside ... more
8 Days Ago
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