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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Forklift Operator in South Carolina is $33,489 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 | $35,761 | $2,980 | $688 | $17 |
| Average | $33,489 | $2,791 | $644 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,125 | $2,594 | $599 | $15 |
Quantix - Moncks Corner, SC
Impact Workforce Solutions - Hodges, SC
Lowes - Greenwood, SC
Lowes - Myrtle Beach, SC
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 | $33,817 |
| Intermediate Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,054 |
| Senior Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,599 |
| Specialist Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,708 |
| Expert Level Heavy Forklift Operator | $34,780 |
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 | $35,761 | $2,980 | $688 | $17 |
| Average | $33,489 | $2,791 | $644 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,125 | $2,594 | $599 | $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
Ladson, SC
Costco Wholesale Corporation | Ladson, SC
Warehouse Forklift Operator. Operates seated and standing forklift to transfer product from warehouse floor to load trucks. Responsible for the expedient a... more
4 Days Ago
The Mundy Companies
Mauldin, SC
The Mundy Companies | Mauldin, SC
Forklift Operator Rotating Shift Work. The Mundy Companies, a leader in the industrial maintenance, services, and construction fields, is currently hiring ... more
4 Days Ago
Lowes
Orangeburg, SC
Lowes | Orangeburg, SC
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
5 Days Ago
Lowes
Goose Creek, SC
Lowes | Goose Creek, SC
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
5 Days Ago
CRH
Greenville, SC
CRH | Greenville, SC
Forklift Operator. Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are the leading provider of innovative outdoor living... more
5 Days Ago
Syncreon International Group
Spartanburg, SC
Syncreon International Group | Spartanburg, SC
Forklift Operator. Direct hire opportunity. Syncreon is growing and we need motivated and reliable Forklift Drivers in Spartanburg, SC. At Syncreon the ide... more
5 Days Ago
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