3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator in the United States is $35,401 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $40,524
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,193 to $38,083
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,183
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View as table View as graph 25% $33,193 10% $31,183 90% $40,524 75% $38,083 $35,401 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $38,083 $3,174 $732 $18
Average $35,401 $2,950 $681 $17
25th Percentile $33,193 $2,766 $638 $16
Check out 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Job Openings in the United States
Warehouse Forklift Operator

American Metals Supply - Groveport, OH

Forklift Operator

Bath & Body Works - New Albany, OH

Operator

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC - Bryan, OH

Operator

Auria Solutions - Holmesville, OH

Search More 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries

A 3-1 Operator and 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3-1 Operator and 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $34,674
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $34,917
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $35,475
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $35,587
  • Expert (over 8 years): $35,662
Levels Salary
Entry Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator$34,674
Intermediate Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator$34,917
Senior Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator$35,475
Specialist Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator$35,587
Expert Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator$35,662
$34,674 0 yr
$34,917 < 2 yrs
$35,475 2-4 yrs
$35,587 5-8 yrs
$35,662 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $39,196.
  • California: $39,047.
  • Massachusetts: $38,527.

Top Paying Cities for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $44,651
  • San Francisco: $44,162
  • Oakland: $43,232

What Skills Can Increase a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 25.56% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Guest Service (Mentioned in 2.58% Job Postings): Guest services is a division of the hospitality industry. The goal of guest services is to provide customers with an enjoyable experience, primarily in the hotel and spa industry, sports facilities, and event venues.
  • Product Knowledge (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): Product knowledge is the ability to communicate information and answer questions about a product or service. It is considered an important knowledge area for any role that puts you in front of customers, investors or the media.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 25.56%
Guest Service 2.58%
Product Knowledge 1.47%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Quality Assurance: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination
$41,065
16%
Quality Assurance
$40,357
14%
Preventive Maintenance
$38,587
9%
Agility
$38,587
9%
Honesty and Integrity
$38,233
8%
Team Management
$38,233
8%
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How Education impacts a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator with a No Diploma is between $30,186 and $32,601).

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.0%
High School 50.0%
Associates 40.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3-1 Operator and 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.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

Salaries for a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $36,013 in 2023 to around $36,094 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$36,013
2024
$36,278
2025
$36,094
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $36,013
2024 $36,278
2025 $36,094
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

Here are companies hiring for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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