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Fork Lift Driver Salary in California

How much does a Fork Lift Driver make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fork Lift Driver in California is $46,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Fork Lift Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,513
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,903 to $50,713
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,592
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Fork Lift Driver Salaries

A Fork Lift Driver'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.

How Experience Level Affects Fork Lift Driver Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Fork Lift Driver'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): $45,577
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,232
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,582
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $47,766
  • Expert (over 8 years): $48,073
Levels Salary
Entry Level Fork Lift Driver$45,577
Intermediate Level Fork Lift Driver$46,232
Senior Level Fork Lift Driver$47,582
Specialist Level Fork Lift Driver$47,766
Expert Level Fork Lift Driver$48,073
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How Do Fork Lift Driver 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 Fork Lift Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $46,716.
  • California: $46,539.
  • Massachusetts: $45,918.

Top Paying Cities for Fork Lift Drivers

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:

  • Los Angeles: $46,619
  • West Hollywood: $46,585
  • Dodgertown: $46,618

Fork Lift Driver Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Fork Lift Driver 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, Fork Lift Driver positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Fork Lift Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Fork Lift Driver

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$55,846$27.020%
Aerospace & Defense$52,123$25.012%
Pharmaceuticals$51,192$25.010%
Software & Networking$51,192$25.010%
Construction$50,262$24.08%

Fork Lift Driver Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Fork Lift Driver'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 September 01, 2026
$42,903
Average $46,539/year
$50,713
$3,575
Average $3,878/month
$4,226
$825
Average $895/week
$975
$21
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,713 $4,226 $975 $24
Average $46,539 $3,878 $895 $22
25th Percentile $42,903 $3,575 $825 $21

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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