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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in Illinois is $36,430 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
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 | $38,902 | $3,242 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,430 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,859 | $2,822 | $651 | $16 |
NORTHEAST PAVING LLC - Springfield, IL
Waste Connections - Rockford, IL
Agricruit - Hoopeston, IL
Trillium Staffing - Danville, IL
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 | $36,787 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $37,045 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $37,638 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $37,756 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $37,835 |
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 | $38,902 | $3,242 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,430 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,859 | $2,822 | $651 | $16 |
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.
Midwest Services Group
Vandalia, IL
Midwest Services Group | Vandalia, IL
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Waste Management, Inc.
DeKalb, IL
Waste Management, Inc. | DeKalb, IL
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Amentum
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Republic Services | Mount Vernon, IL
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CleanHarbors
Joliet, IL
CleanHarbors | Joliet, IL
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