How Much Does an Experienced forklift operator make?

Experienced forklift operator made a median salary around $42,221 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,656 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $38,107. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Experienced forklift operator jobs in Georgia

Forklift Operator

Costco - Chatsworth, GA

Forklift Operator

Kohls - Thomaston, GA

Forklift Operator

DHL International GmbH - Fairburn, GA

Forklift Operator

US Foods - Fairburn, GA

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Best-Paying Cities for Experienced forklift operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Experienced forklift operator profession are Scottdale , Smyrna , Tucker , Atlanta , Avondale Estates .
Scottdale, GA $42,745
Smyrna, GA $42,745
Tucker, GA $42,745
Atlanta, GA $42,745
Avondale Estates, GA $42,745

Best-Paying States for Experienced forklift operator

The states and districts that pay Experienced forklift operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $48,595) , California (around $48,159) , New Jersey (around $47,853) , Alaska (around $47,547) , and Massachusetts (around $47,504) .
District of Columbia $48,595
California $48,159
New Jersey $47,853
Alaska $47,547
Massachusetts $47,504

What is the Career Path of Experienced forklift operator?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Experienced forklift operator, the first career path typically starts with a Crane Operator position , and then progresses to Crane Operator, Sr..

The second career path typically starts with a Heavy Equipment Operator II position , and then progresses to Heavy Equipment Operator IV.

Additionally, the third career path typically progresses to Mobile Crane Operator.

Besides, Experienced forklift operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Forklift Operator , Equipment Operator - Forklift , Warehouse Forklift Operator and Certified Forklift Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Experienced forklift operator

Q: What is the salary range of Experienced forklift operator in Georgia?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Experienced forklift operator in Georgia earned an average annual salary of $38,107 , while the highest-paid made $47,656.
Q: What is the salary for an Experienced forklift operator in California?
A: Experienced forklift operator employed in California earned an average salary of $48,159 in 2025.

Average Experienced forklift operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Experienced forklift operator earned an average salary of $42,221 in 2025. Other jobs related to Experienced forklift operator earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Forklift Operator made $40,908 , Equipment Operator - Forklift made $41,900 , Warehouse Forklift Operator and Certified Forklift Operator made $41,903 and $41,517 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Experienced forklift operator

Forklift Operator - Average Salary $40,908
There is currently no job description for Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forklift Operator.
Equipment Operator - Forklift - Average Salary $41,900
The Equipment Operator - Forklift is responsible for maintaining inventory and for production area cleanliness. Operates fork lifts to stack and retrieve goods, supplies and materials. Being an Equipment Operator - Forklift typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Documents and maintains inventory records. In addition, Equipment Operator - Forklift typically reports to a supervisor. Being an Equipment Operator - Forklift possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Warehouse Forklift Operator - Average Salary $41,903
The Warehouse Forklift Operator is responsible for maintaining inventory and for production area cleanliness. Operates fork lifts to stack and retrieve goods, supplies and materials. Being a Warehouse Forklift Operator typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Documents and maintains inventory records. In addition, Warehouse Forklift Operator typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Warehouse Forklift Operator possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Certified Forklift Operator - Average Salary $41,517
There is currently no job description for Certified Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified Forklift Operator.
Heavy Forklift Operator - Average Salary $32,407
There is currently no job description for Heavy Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Heavy Forklift Operator.