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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Warehouse Forklift in South Dakota is $38,426 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
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 | $41,663 | $3,472 | $801 | $20 |
| Average | $38,426 | $3,202 | $739 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,102 | $2,925 | $675 | $17 |
Nordica Warehouses Inc. - Sioux Falls, SD
Animal Health International, Inc. - Sioux Falls, SD
Aerotek - Sioux Falls, SD
TRACE Inc. - Rapid City, SD
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 | $38,564 |
| Intermediate Level Warehouse Forklift | $39,118 |
| Senior Level Warehouse Forklift | $40,261 |
| Specialist Level Warehouse Forklift | $40,417 |
| Expert Level Warehouse Forklift | $40,677 |
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 | $46,111 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $43,037 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $42,268 | $20.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $42,268 | $20.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $41,500 | $20.0 | 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 | $41,663 | $3,472 | $801 | $20 |
| Average | $38,426 | $3,202 | $739 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,102 | $2,925 | $675 | $17 |
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.
Express Employment Professionals
Sioux Falls, SD
Express Employment Professionals | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Title:Truck Freight Packer - Warehouse / ForkliftLocation:Sioux Falls, SD Full-Time Looking for steady, hands-on work in a fast-paced warehouse. Our cl... more
9 Days Ago
Freshpoint
HONOLULU, HI
Freshpoint | HONOLULU, HI
JOB SUMMARY. Responsible for ensuring that the selection slots are consistently replenished during selection and ensuring that all replenished slots are ro... more
9 Days Ago
Freshpoint
KAILUA KONA, HI
Freshpoint | KAILUA KONA, HI
JOB SUMMARY. Responsible for ensuring that the selection slots are consistently replenished during selection and ensuring that all replenished slots are ro... more
9 Days Ago
TSG - The Sheridan Group
PILLAGER, MN
TSG - The Sheridan Group | PILLAGER, MN
TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a reliable Forklift/Material Handler/Warehouse professional to support our Washington, DC operations. In this role, you’ll o... more
10 Days Ago
TSG - The Sheridan Group
STAPLES, MN
TSG - The Sheridan Group | STAPLES, MN
TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a reliable Forklift Material Handler to support warehouse operations for high-impact public affairs and communications campa... more
10 Days Ago
TSG - The Sheridan Group
FORT RIPLEY, MN
TSG - The Sheridan Group | FORT RIPLEY, MN
TSG – The Sheridan Group seeks a reliable Forklift Material Handler to support warehouse operations for high-impact public affairs and communications campa... more
10 Days Ago
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