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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Forklift in Illinois is $43,098 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Warehouse Forklift's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Warehouse Forklift Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,729 | $3,894 | $899 | $22 |
| Average | $43,098 | $3,592 | $829 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,370 | $3,281 | $757 | $19 |
Verstela - Bartlett, IL
TERRA Staffing Group - Bartlett, IL
Tellworks Logistics - Elgin, IL
Staffmark - Naperville, IL
A Warehouse Forklift'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 Warehouse Forklift'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 Warehouse Forklift | $43,253 |
| Intermediate Level Warehouse Forklift | $43,875 |
| Senior Level Warehouse Forklift | $45,156 |
| Specialist Level Warehouse Forklift | $45,331 |
| Expert Level Warehouse Forklift | $45,622 |
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 Warehouse Forklifts. 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 Warehouse Forklift 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, Warehouse Forklift positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Warehouse Forklift as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $51,718 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,270 | $23.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $47,408 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $47,408 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $46,546 | $22.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Warehouse Forklift'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 | $46,729 | $3,894 | $899 | $22 |
| Average | $43,098 | $3,592 | $829 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,370 | $3,281 | $757 | $19 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Warehouse Forklift job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
CoWorx Staffing Services
Joliet, IL
CoWorx Staffing Services | Joliet, IL
CoWorx Staffing Services - - Responsibilities: Accurately pick and pack parts to meet daily order requirements. Maintain organized inventory and support ov... more
3 Days Ago
Express Employment Professionals - Fairview Heights
Alton, IL
Express Employment Professionals - Fairview Heights | Alton, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Ready for a role built around action and accuracy. We’re hiring a Warehouse Forklift Handling Specialist in Alton, IL. If... more
5 Days Ago
Alliance Workforce
Woodridge, IL
Alliance Workforce | Woodridge, IL
Job Description. Job Description. $18.50/hr. Forklift Drivers. Woodridge, IL. CURRENT SCHEDULE. 1st shift 8am- 5pm. Apply in 2 minutes: www.alliancewf.com.... more
5 Days Ago
CarParts.com
La Salle, IL
CarParts.com | La Salle, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Carparts.com is seeking team members with a drive to serve, succeed and grow. As a member of the team, you’ll be empowere... more
5 Days Ago
Ryder System Inc.
Bolingbrook, IL
Ryder System Inc. | Bolingbrook, IL
Full job description Ryder is immediately hiring Full-Time Forklift Operators / Warehouse Associates at our warehouse in Bolingbrook, IL Pay & Schedule $19... more
6 Days Ago
Go To Logistics
River Grove, IL
Go To Logistics | River Grove, IL
Now Hiring:Warehouse AssociateCompany:Go2 LogisticsType:W2, Direct Hire Location:2233 N.West St, River Grove, IL Available Shifts:Monday - Friday:4am - 2pm... more
6 Days Ago
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