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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in Indiana is $34,307 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 | $36,635 | $3,053 | $705 | $18 |
| Average | $34,307 | $2,859 | $660 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,886 | $2,657 | $613 | $15 |
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Fort Wayne, IN
Lowes - Jeffersonville, IN
Lowes - Logansport, IN
TradeJobsWorkforce - Rochester, IN
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 | $34,643 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,886 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,444 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,556 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,630 |
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 | $36,635 | $3,053 | $705 | $18 |
| Average | $34,307 | $2,859 | $660 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,886 | $2,657 | $613 | $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.
Costco Wholesale Corporation
South Bend, IN
Costco Wholesale Corporation | South Bend, IN
Warehouse Forklift Operator. Operates seated and standing forklift to transfer product from warehouse floor to load trucks. Responsible for the expedient a... more
7 Days Ago
Americold Logistics, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
Americold Logistics, Inc. | Indianapolis, IN
Job Title. Forklift Operator. Job Description. Primary Responsibility: Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate recei... more
7 Days Ago
Crown Staffing Solutions, L.L.C.
Mishawaka, IN
Crown Staffing Solutions, L.L.C. | Mishawaka, IN
Forklift Operator. Location: Onsite Packaging Warehouse - Mishawaka, IN. Pay Range: $19 per hour. Schedule: Full-Time, First Shift. Forklift Operator Overv... more
7 Days Ago
Lowes
Indianapolis, IN
Lowes | Indianapolis, IN
Job Title: Forklift Operator. Employer: Lowe’s. Job Description. As a Forklift Operator at Lowe’s, you will be responsible for operating a forklift to move... more
8 Days Ago
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Indianapolis, IN
Costco Wholesale Corporation | Indianapolis, IN
Warehouse Forklift Operator. Operates seated and standing forklift to transfer product from warehouse floor to load trucks. Responsible for the expedient a... more
8 Days Ago
Lowes
Richmond, IN
Lowes | Richmond, IN
Job Title: Forklift Operator. Employer: Lowe’s. Job Description. As a Forklift Operator at Lowe’s, you will be responsible for operating a forklift to move... more
9 Days Ago
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