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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lift Operator in Tennessee is $39,811 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Lift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lift Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,165 | $3,597 | $830 | $21 |
| Average | $39,811 | $3,318 | $766 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,367 | $3,031 | $699 | $17 |
Wilson Sporting Goods - Nashville, TN
Wilson Sporting Goods - Mount Juliet, TN
Wilson Sporting Goods - Mount Juliet, TN
Kelly - Springfield, TN
A Lift 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 Lift 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 Lift Operator | $39,954 |
| Intermediate Level Lift Operator | $40,528 |
| Senior Level Lift Operator | $41,712 |
| Specialist Level Lift Operator | $41,874 |
| Expert Level Lift Operator | $42,143 |
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 Lift 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:
For Lift Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lift Operator positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lift Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $47,773 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,588 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $43,792 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $43,792 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $42,996 | $21.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Lift 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 | $43,165 | $3,597 | $830 | $21 |
| Average | $39,811 | $3,318 | $766 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,367 | $3,031 | $699 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lift Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Kelly Services, Inc.
Springfield, TN
Kelly Services, Inc. | Springfield, TN
Kelly Services, Inc. Responsibilities: Fill forklift operator roles in Springfield, TN, and help convert temporary workers to full-time more
8 Days Ago
Keurig Dr Pepper
Knoxville, TN
Keurig Dr Pepper | Knoxville, TN
Forklift Operator. The Forklift Operator is responsible for loading, unloading, staging, pulling and distributing pallets of Keurig Dr Pepper product suppl... more
9 Days Ago
US Foods
Alcoa, TN
US Foods | Alcoa, TN
Job Title. Operate an industrial forklift to perform material handling assignments. Identify and transport material to and from storage areas and loading d... more
10 Days Ago
Amer Sports Company
Mount Juliet, TN
Amer Sports Company | Mount Juliet, TN
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Earn $21.00 per hour and up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year. 2nd shift is from 3:00pm - 11:30pm - Monday through F... more
10 Days Ago
Kroger
Murfreesboro, TN
Kroger | Murfreesboro, TN
Warehouse Operation Manager. Responsible for all aspects of warehouse operation, including equipment and products within the warehouse and ensuring accurac... more
8 Days Ago
Performance Food Group
East Tennessee, TN
Performance Food Group | East Tennessee, TN
Performance Food Group - - Responsibilities: Operate forklift, pallet jack, reach truck to move freight to inventory and replenish pick slots. Locate slots... more
10 Days Ago
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