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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in Iowa is $34,204 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Heavy Forklift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Heavy Forklift Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $36,524 | $3,044 | $702 | $18 |
| Average | $34,204 | $2,850 | $658 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,790 | $2,649 | $611 | $15 |
CRH - Lake View, IA
XPO - Shelby, IA
Labor Solutions, LLC - Ames, IA
Sligan Plastics - Burlington, IA
A Heavy 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 Heavy 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 Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,539 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,781 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,337 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,448 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,523 |
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 Heavy 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:
Understanding how a Heavy 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 | $36,524 | $3,044 | $702 | $18 |
| Average | $34,204 | $2,850 | $658 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,790 | $2,649 | $611 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Forklift Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Nestle
Clinton, IA
Nestle | Clinton, IA
Nestle - - Responsibilities: Operate forklifts with various attachments in a bustling warehouse. Safely load/unload trailers ensuring weight distribution a... more
2 Days Ago
Nestle
Davenport, IA
Nestle | Davenport, IA
Nestle - - Responsibilities: Operate forklifts with various attachments in a bustling warehouse. Safely load/unload trailers following shipping instruction... more
2 Days Ago
Costco Wholesale Corp.
Ankeny, IA
Costco Wholesale Corp. | Ankeny, IA
Costco Wholesale Corp. Responsibilities: Operate seated and standing forklift to transfer product from warehouse floor to load trucks. Move merchandise by ... more
3 Days Ago
General Mills
Carlisle, IA
General Mills | Carlisle, IA
General Mills - 139 Main Street - Responsibilities: Operate forklift operations in production/warehouse. Load/unload materials and outbound shipments. Main... more
3 Days Ago
Aerotek
Ames, IA
Aerotek | Ames, IA
Aerotek - 3101 Fulling Mill Rd - Responsibilities: Load and unload materials. Operate forklift to move bags and materials. Stage materials for production. ... more
3 Days Ago
Aerotek
Sioux City, IA
Aerotek | Sioux City, IA
Aerotek - 3101 Fulling Mill Rd - Responsibilities: Load/unload bins from trailers. Wash and transport bins to wash area. Maintain warehouse organization. I... more
3 Days Ago
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