How Much Does a Forklift Specialist make?

Forklift Specialist made a median salary around $43,642 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $49,259 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $39,390. 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 Specialist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Forklift Specialist profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $54,661
Santa Clara, CA $54,661
Saratoga, CA $54,661
Sunnyvale, CA $54,661
Los Gatos, CA $54,661

Best-Paying States for Forklift Specialist

The states and districts that pay Forklift Specialist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $48,476) , California (around $48,041) , New Jersey (around $47,736) , Alaska (around $47,431) , and Massachusetts (around $47,387) .
District of Columbia $48,476
California $48,041
New Jersey $47,736
Alaska $47,431
Massachusetts $47,387

What is the Career Path of Forklift Specialist?

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 Specialist, 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 Specialist can also turn to other related jobs, including Forklift Driver , Forklift Mechanic , Forklift Technician and Forklift Instructor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Forklift Specialist

Q: What is the salary range of Forklift Specialist in Fresno, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Forklift Specialist in Fresno, CA earned an average annual salary of $39,390 , while the highest-paid made $49,259.
Q: What is the salary for a Forklift Specialist in California?
A: Forklift Specialist employed in California earned an average salary of $48,041 in 2025.

Average Forklift Specialist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Forklift Specialist earned an average salary of $43,642 in 2025. Other jobs related to Forklift Specialist earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Forklift Driver made $43,302 , Forklift Mechanic made $59,098 , Forklift Technician and Forklift Instructor made $57,424 and $33,511 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Forklift Specialist

Forklift Driver - Average Salary $43,302
The Forklift Driver is responsible for maintaining inventory and for production area cleanliness. Operates fork lifts to stack and retrieve goods, supplies and materials. Being a Forklift Driver typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Documents and maintains inventory records. In addition, Forklift Driver typically reports to a supervisor. Being a Forklift Driver 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.
Forklift Mechanic - Average Salary $59,098
There is currently no job description for Forklift Mechanic, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forklift Mechanic.
Forklift Technician - Average Salary $57,424
There is currently no job description for Forklift Technician, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forklift Technician.
Forklift Instructor - Average Salary $33,511
There is currently no job description for Forklift Instructor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forklift Instructor.
Forklift Operator - Average Salary $42,285
There is currently no job description for Forklift Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Forklift Operator.