Click or scroll to view upper level job

Forklift Operator Salary in Iowa

How Much Does a Forklift Operator make?

Forklift Operator made a median salary around $41,918 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $47,316 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $37,836. 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.
Salary Salary + Bonus Benefits
View as table View as graph
Check out Forklift Operator jobs in Iowa

Forklift Operator

XPO - Sioux City, IA

Apply Now

Forklift Operator

XPO - Shelby, IA

Apply Now

Forklift Operator

48forty Solutions and Relogistics Services - Cedar Falls, IA

Apply Now
Apply Now
Search More Forklift Operator Jobs in Iowa
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Forklift Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forklift Operator profession are Buffalo Center , Carpenter , Chester , Grafton , Joice .
Buffalo Center, IA $43,517
Carpenter, IA $43,517
Chester, IA $43,517
Grafton, IA $43,517
Joice, IA $43,517

Best-Paying States for Forklift Operator

The states and districts that pay Forklift Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $48,497) , California (around $48,313) , Massachusetts (around $47,669) , Washington (around $47,494) , and New Jersey (around $47,476) .
District of Columbia $48,497
California $48,313
Massachusetts $47,669
Washington $47,494
New Jersey $47,476

What is the Career Path of 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 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, Forklift Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Equipment Operator - Forklift , Warehouse Forklift Operator , Certified Forklift Operator and Heavy Forklift Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Forklift Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Forklift Operator in Iowa?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forklift Operator in Iowa earned an average annual salary of $37,836 , while the highest-paid made $47,316.
Q: What is the salary for a Forklift Operator in California?
A: Forklift Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $48,313 in 2025.

Average Forklift Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forklift Operator earned an average salary of $41,918 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forklift Operator earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Equipment Operator - Forklift made $41,600 , Warehouse Forklift Operator made $41,603 , Certified Forklift Operator and Heavy Forklift Operator made $41,219 and $32,230 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forklift Operator

Equipment Operator - Forklift - Average Salary $41,600
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 $41,603
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 $41,219
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 $32,230
There is currently no job description for Heavy Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Heavy Forklift Operator.
Industrial Forklift Operator - Average Salary $40,615
There is currently no job description for Industrial Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Industrial Forklift Operator.