How Much Does a Forklift Operator make?

Forklift Operator made a median salary around $40,343 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $45,537 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $36,412. 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 Operator jobs in Roanoke, Virginia

Forklift Operator

Fedex - Harrisonburg, VA

Forklift Operator

Carter Lumber - Richmond, VA

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Best-Paying Cities for Forklift Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forklift Operator profession are Merrifield , Mc Lean , Springfield , Annandale , Arlington .
Merrifield, VA $48,595
Mc Lean, VA $48,595
Springfield, VA $48,595
Annandale, VA $48,595
Arlington, VA $48,595

Best-Paying States for Forklift Operator

The states and districts that pay 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 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 Roanoke, VA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forklift Operator in Roanoke, VA earned an average annual salary of $36,412 , while the highest-paid made $45,537.
Q: What is the salary for a Forklift Operator in California?
A: Forklift Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $48,159 in 2025.

Average Forklift Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forklift Operator earned an average salary of $40,343 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forklift Operator earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Equipment Operator - Forklift made $40,000 , Warehouse Forklift Operator made $40,003 , Certified Forklift Operator and Heavy Forklift Operator made $39,670 and $30,966 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forklift Operator

Equipment Operator - Forklift - Average Salary $40,000
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 $40,003
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 $39,670
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 $30,966
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 $39,089
There is currently no job description for Industrial Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Industrial Forklift Operator.