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Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Salary in Lincoln, NE

How Much Does a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator make?

Machine Operator/Forklift Operator made a median salary around $38,828 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $43,318 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $35,237. 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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Check out Machine Operator/Forklift Operator jobs in Lincoln, Nebraska

Machine Operator

Essential Personnel, Inc. - Grand Island, NE

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Machine Operator V

FLEXcon Company, Inc. - Columbus, NE

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Machine Operator - NE

Rishabh RPO - Kearney, NE

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Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

LALA US - Omaha, NE

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Search More Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Jobs in Lincoln, Nebraska
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Best-Paying Cities for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Machine Operator/Forklift Operator profession are Benkelman , Haigler , Max , Palisade , Parks .
Benkelman, NE $41,076
Haigler, NE $41,076
Max, NE $41,076
Palisade, NE $41,076
Parks, NE $41,076

Best-Paying States for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

The states and districts that pay Machine Operator/Forklift Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $46,319) , California (around $45,903) , New Jersey (around $45,612) , Alaska (around $45,320) , and Massachusetts (around $45,279) .
District of Columbia $46,319
California $45,903
New Jersey $45,612
Alaska $45,320
Massachusetts $45,279

What is the Career Path of Machine Operator/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 Machine Operator/Forklift Operator, the first career path typically progresses to Extrusion Operator, Sr..

The second career path typically starts with an Injection Molding Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Injection Molding Machine Operator III.

The third career path typically starts with a Machine Operator II position , and then progresses to Machine Operator III.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Machinist II position , and then progresses to Machinist III.

Besides, Machine Operator/Forklift Operator can also turn to other related jobs, including Tire Machine Operator , Wood Machine Operator , Sewing Machine Operator and Machine Operator .

Frequently Asked Questions for Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Machine Operator/Forklift Operator in Lincoln, NE?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Machine Operator/Forklift Operator in Lincoln, NE earned an average annual salary of $35,237 , while the highest-paid made $43,318.
Q: What is the salary for a Machine Operator/Forklift Operator in California?
A: Machine Operator/Forklift Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $45,903 in 2025.

Average Machine Operator/Forklift Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Machine Operator/Forklift Operator earned an average salary of $38,828 in 2025. Other jobs related to Machine Operator/Forklift Operator earned the following average salary in February, 2025. Tire Machine Operator made $31,520 , Wood Machine Operator made $32,569 , Sewing Machine Operator and Machine Operator made $35,179 and $45,558 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Machine Operator/Forklift Operator

Tire Machine Operator - Average Salary $31,520
Tire Machine Operator sets-up and operates machine to re-groove tread surface of pneumatic tires. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience. Being a Tire Machine Operator has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Additionally, Tire Machine Operator works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Wood Machine Operator - Average Salary $32,569
Wood Machine Operator sets-up and operates a wood machine. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Being a Wood Machine Operator may have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty with 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Additionally, Wood Machine Operator relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.
Sewing Machine Operator - Average Salary $35,179
Sewing Machine Operator operates various sewing machines to join parts of fabricated articles or garments. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Being a Sewing Machine Operator is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Additionally, Sewing Machine Operator performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Machine Operator - Average Salary $45,558
There is currently no job description for Machine Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Machine Operator.
Machine Operator III - Average Salary $51,871
Machine Operator III sets up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. Uses computer-controlled equipment to select position and secure automatic or semi-automatic machines. Being a Machine Operator III controls and adjusts machine settings to complete more complex tasks. May assist with training other machine operators. Additionally, Machine Operator III may calculate and assist with numeric controlled programming. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Machine Operator III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Machine Operator III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.