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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in Kentucky is $33,632 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 | $35,914 | $2,993 | $691 | $17 |
| Average | $33,632 | $2,803 | $647 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,258 | $2,605 | $601 | $15 |
The Job Center - Florence, KY
The Job Center - Erlanger, KY
XPO Logistics - Walton, KY
Staffmark - Winchester, KY
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 | $33,961 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,199 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,746 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,856 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,929 |
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 | $35,914 | $2,993 | $691 | $17 |
| Average | $33,632 | $2,803 | $647 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,258 | $2,605 | $601 | $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 Corp.
Louisville, KY
DHL
Lexington, KY
DHL | Lexington, KY
DHL - 2471 Palumbo Drive - Responsibilities: Load, unload, stock, and stage products. Operate sit-down counterbalance forklift and electric pallet jack. Ve... more
2 Days Ago
Manpower
Georgetown, KY
Manpower | Georgetown, KY
Manpower - - Responsibilities: Assist with inventory management and stock organization. Support the team in completing warehouse projects and tasks as assi... more
2 Days Ago
Bunzl
Murray, KY
Bunzl | Murray, KY
Bunzl - 250 Melvin Henley Drive - Responsibilities: Select customer orders from shelves, place onto pallet, and load onto trailer. Operate an industrial fo... more
3 Days Ago
Altium Packaging
Hebron, KY
Altium Packaging | Hebron, KY
Altium Packaging - 2100 Global Way - Responsibilities: Operate a forklift to stack and retrieve supplies and materials. Load and unload materials onto pall... more
3 Days Ago
Abacus Corporation
Shepherdsville, KY
Abacus Corporation | Shepherdsville, KY
Abacus Corporation - - Responsibilities: Operate Reach Trucks, Sit-Down Forklifts, Order Pickers, and Counterbalance forklifts. Load, unload, move, and sta... more
3 Days Ago
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