How Much Does a Forklift Operator / Material Handler make?

Forklift Operator / Material Handler made a median salary around $43,399 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $48,987 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $39,171. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Forklift Operator / Material Handler

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forklift Operator / Material Handler profession are Sunnyside , Woodside , Long Island City , Astoria , New York .
Sunnyside, NY $50,997
Woodside, NY $50,997
Long Island City, NY $50,997
Astoria, NY $50,997
New York, NY $50,997

Best-Paying States for Forklift Operator / Material Handler

The states and districts that pay Forklift Operator / Material Handler 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 Forklift Operator / 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 Operator / Material Handler, 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, Forklift Operator / Material Handler can also turn to other related jobs, including Warehouse Material Handler/Forklift Operator , Material Handler Forklift , Material Handler/Forklift Driver and Forklift Operator/Materials Handler .

Frequently Asked Questions for Forklift Operator / Material Handler

Q: What is the salary range of Forklift Operator / Material Handler in Syracuse, NY?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forklift Operator / Material Handler in Syracuse, NY earned an average annual salary of $39,171 , while the highest-paid made $48,987.
Q: What is the salary for a Forklift Operator / Material Handler in California?
A: Forklift Operator / Material Handler employed in California earned an average salary of $48,159 in 2025.

Average Forklift Operator / Material Handler Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forklift Operator / Material Handler earned an average salary of $43,399 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forklift Operator / Material Handler earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Warehouse Material Handler/Forklift Operator made $38,508 , Material Handler Forklift made $43,610 , Material Handler/Forklift Driver and Forklift Operator/Materials Handler made $38,508 and $42,990 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forklift Operator / Material Handler

There is currently no job description for Warehouse Material Handler/Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Warehouse Material Handler/Forklift Operator.
Material Handler Forklift - Average Salary $43,610
There is currently no job description for Material Handler Forklift, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Material Handler Forklift.
Material Handler/Forklift Driver - Average Salary $38,508
There is currently no job description for Material Handler/Forklift Driver, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Material Handler/Forklift Driver.
Forklift Operator/Materials Handler - Average Salary $42,990
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.
Freight Handler Forklift Operator - Average Salary $42,050
There is currently no job description for Freight Handler Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Freight Handler Forklift Operator.