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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in Louisiana is $33,982 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 | $36,288 | $3,024 | $698 | $17 |
| Average | $33,982 | $2,832 | $653 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,584 | $2,632 | $607 | $15 |
Savard Labor & Marine Personnel - Kenner, LA
Savard Personnel Group - Kenner, LA
Lowes - Prairieville, LA
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Gonzales, LA
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 | $34,315 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,555 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,108 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,219 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $35,293 |
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 | $36,288 | $3,024 | $698 | $17 |
| Average | $33,982 | $2,832 | $653 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,584 | $2,632 | $607 | $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.
LED FastStart
Plain Dealing, LA
LED FastStart | Plain Dealing, LA
Forklift Operator. The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of lumber, materials and products throughout the sawmill, plane... more
7 Days Ago
Lowes
Harvey, LA
Lowes | Harvey, LA
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
Lowes
Pineville, LA
Lowes | Pineville, LA
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
Staffmark
Pineville, LA
Staffmark | Pineville, LA
Forklift Operator. Now hiring for a Forklift Operator Location: Pineville, LA Pay Rate: $17.79 per hour | Day & Night Shift | 12-Hour Shifts | 2-2-3 Schedu... more
8 Days Ago
Fedex
La Place, LA
Fedex | La Place, LA
Job Description**: The Forklift Operator at FedEx is responsible for safely operating forklifts to move, load, and unload heavy items and pallets within th... more
9 Days Ago
Lowes
Monroe, LA
Lowes | Monroe, LA
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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