How Much Does a Forklift Driver/Material Handler make?

Forklift Driver/Material Handler made a median salary around $39,747 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $44,197 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $36,279. 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 Forklift Driver/Material Handler jobs in Minnesota

Material Handler/Forklift/Cherry Picker

Adecco US, Inc. - Saint Paul, MN

Material Handler Forklift

PrideStaff - Minneapolis, MN

Forklift/Material Handler

Aerotek - Saint Cloud, MN

Forklift Operator Material Handler

Sherman Buildings - Mora, MN

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Best-Paying Cities for Forklift Driver/Material Handler

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forklift Driver/Material Handler profession are Hopkins , Mendota , Minneapolis , Minnetonka , Saint Paul .
Hopkins, MN $40,652
Mendota, MN $40,652
Minneapolis, MN $40,652
Minnetonka, MN $40,652
Saint Paul, MN $40,652

Best-Paying States for Forklift Driver/Material Handler

The states and districts that pay Forklift Driver/Material Handler the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $43,006) , California (around $42,843) , Massachusetts (around $42,272) , Washington (around $42,117) , and New Jersey (around $42,101) .
District of Columbia $43,006
California $42,843
Massachusetts $42,272
Washington $42,117
New Jersey $42,101

What is the Career Path of Forklift Driver/Material Handler?

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 Forklift Driver/Material Handler, the first career path typically progresses to Materials Handler - Hospital.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Materials Handler II position , and then progresses to Materials Handler III.

Besides, Forklift Driver/Material Handler can also turn to other related jobs, including Material Handler Forklift , Forklift Operator/Materials Handler , Material Handler/Forklift Driver and Freight Handler Forklift Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Forklift Driver/Material Handler

Q: What is the salary range of Forklift Driver/Material Handler in Minnesota?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forklift Driver/Material Handler in Minnesota earned an average annual salary of $36,279 , while the highest-paid made $44,197.
Q: What is the salary for a Forklift Driver/Material Handler in California?
A: Forklift Driver/Material Handler employed in California earned an average salary of $42,843 in 2025.

Average Forklift Driver/Material Handler Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forklift Driver/Material Handler earned an average salary of $39,747 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forklift Driver/Material Handler earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Material Handler Forklift made $45,012 , Forklift Operator/Materials Handler made $43,760 , Material Handler/Forklift Driver and Freight Handler Forklift Operator made $39,747 and $43,429 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forklift Driver/Material Handler

Material Handler Forklift - Average Salary $45,012
There is currently no job description for Material Handler Forklift, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Material Handler Forklift.
Forklift Operator/Materials Handler - Average Salary $43,760
The Forklift Operator/Materials Handler is responsible for maintaining inventory and for production area cleanliness. Operates fork lifts to stack and retrieve goods, supplies and materials. Being a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Documents and maintains inventory records. In addition, Forklift Operator/Materials Handler typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler 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.
Material Handler/Forklift Driver - Average Salary $39,747
There is currently no job description for Material Handler/Forklift Driver, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Material Handler/Forklift Driver.
Freight Handler Forklift Operator - Average Salary $43,429
There is currently no job description for Freight Handler Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Freight Handler Forklift Operator.
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I - Average Salary $37,880
The Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I utilizes hand trucks, forklifts, hoists, conveyors, or other handling equipment to move material to and from aircraft, trucks or trains and within the storage facility. Loads and unloads material within a warehouse or storage facility. Being a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Has knowledge of commonly-used practices, and procedures within a particular field. In addition, Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. May require a high school diploma. Typically reports to supervisor or manager. Being a Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.