Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator make in the United States?

As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator in the United States is $40,696 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,703
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,422 to $43,841
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,440
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View as table View as graph 25% $37,422 10% $34,440 90% $46,703 75% $43,841 $40,696 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $43,841 $3,653 $843 $21
Average $40,696 $3,391 $783 $20
25th Percentile $37,422 $3,118 $720 $18
Check out Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Job Openings in the United States
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CACI - FAIRFAX, VA

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Department of the Navy - SAN DIEGO, CA

Basic Xray Machine Operator

Aspen Medical USA - SAN ANTONIO, TX

MACHINE OPERATOR

Hollandia Dairy - SAN MARCOS, CA

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Key Factors That Influence Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salaries

A Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $40,465
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $44,964
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,997
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,858
  • Expert (over 8 years): $79,577
Levels Salary
Machine O... Level Machine Operator/Forklift Operator$40,465
Machine O... Level Machine Operator/Forklift Operator$44,964
Machine O... Level Machine Operator/Forklift Operator$50,997
Machine O... Level Machine Operator/Forklift Operator$54,858
Machine O... Level Machine Operator/Forklift Operator$79,577
$40,465 0 yr
$44,964 < 2 yrs
$50,997 2-4 yrs
$54,858 5-8 yrs
$79,577 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Machine Operator/Forklift Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $45,059.
  • California: $44,888.
  • Massachusetts: $44,289.

Top Paying Cities for Machine Operator/Forklift Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $51,330
  • San Francisco: $50,825
  • Oakland: $49,698

What Skills Can Increase a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Machine Operation (Mentioned in 3.15% Job Postings): Applying methods and techniques to implement, maintain, repair, design, and update various machines following specific rules to ensure safety.
  • Container (Mentioned in 2.29% Job Postings): Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 3.86%
Machine Operation 3.15%
Container 2.29%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's salary.
  • CNC: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • SOP: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
CNC
 $43,545
7%
Accountability
 $42,324
4%
SOP
 $41,917
3%
Dedication
 $41,917
3%
Products and Services
 $41,510
2%
ISO
 $41,510
2%
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How Education impacts a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Machine Operator/Forklift Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator with a No Diploma is between $37,041 and $39,424).

Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.4%
High School 69.8%
Associates 12.5%
Bachelors 7.3%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on February 01, 2026
$37,422
Average $40,696/year
$43,841
$3,118
Average $3,391/month
$3,653
$720
Average $783/week
$843
$18
Average $20/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $43,841 $3,653 $843 $21
Average $40,696 $3,391 $783 $20
25th Percentile $37,422 $3,118 $720 $18

Salaries of jobs related to Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Salary Trends for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Salaries for a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,832 in 2023 to around $37,308 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Machine Operator/Forklift Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$37,832
2024
$37,559
2025
$37,308
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $37,832
2024 $37,559
2025 $37,308
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Here are companies hiring for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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