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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Forklift in North Carolina is $40,181 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
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 | $43,566 | $3,631 | $838 | $21 |
| Average | $40,181 | $3,348 | $773 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,705 | $3,059 | $706 | $18 |
Publix Super Markets - Greensboro, NC
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Brook Valley Thrift Stores - Charlotte, NC
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 | $40,325 |
| Intermediate Level Warehouse Forklift | $40,905 |
| Senior Level Warehouse Forklift | $42,100 |
| Specialist Level Warehouse Forklift | $42,262 |
| Expert Level Warehouse Forklift | $42,534 |
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 | $48,217 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,002 | $22.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $44,199 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $44,199 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $43,395 | $21.0 | 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 | $43,566 | $3,631 | $838 | $21 |
| Average | $40,181 | $3,348 | $773 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,705 | $3,059 | $706 | $18 |
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.
Ryder
Burlington, NC
Ryder | Burlington, NC
Material Handler. Ryder is hiring a Material Handler in Burlington NC, offering weekly pay, excellent benefits, and a career you can feel good about. Wareh... more
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Lumberton, NC
C&S Wholesale Services, LLC | Lumberton, NC
Position Overview Keep our communities fed. Our focus is simple but meaningful, from our distribution centers to our offices &CloseCurlyDoubleQuote. every ... more
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Ryder
Charlotte, NC
Ryder | Charlotte, NC
Ryder is immediately hiring a Permanent Full Time Storeroom Attendant / Forklift Operator in Charlotte, North Carolina Warehouse Positions Pay Weekly. Hour... more
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C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc
Lumberton, NC
C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc | Lumberton, NC
Forklift OperatorKeep our communities fed. Our focus is simple but meaningful, from our distribution centers to our offices every employee of C&S and their... more
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Signature Retail Services
Charlotte, NC
Signature Retail Services | Charlotte, NC
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8 Days Ago
Core-Mark International
Sanford, NC
Core-Mark International | Sanford, NC
Warehouse Associate Forklift Days. Core-Mark, a Performance Food Group Company, is part of a Fortune 150 company that continues to grow as an industry lead... more
8 Days Ago
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