As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Material Handler/Forklift Driver in the United States is $36,806 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Material Handler/Forklift Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Material Handler/Forklift Driver'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Material Handler/Forklift Driver'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Material Handler/Forklift Driver | $36,444 |
| Intermediate Level Material Handler/Forklift Driver | $36,634 |
| Senior Level Material Handler/Forklift Driver | $37,071 |
| Specialist Level Material Handler/Forklift Driver | $37,362 |
| Expert Level Material Handler/Forklift Driver | $37,435 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Material Handler/Forklift Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Material Handler/Forklift Drivers 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 Material Handler/Forklift Driver with a No Diploma is between $33,514 and $35,537.
Material Handler/Forklift Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 67.3% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 16.8% |
| Masters | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Material Handler/Forklift Driver'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.
Last Updated on November 01, 2025Salaries for a Material Handler/Forklift Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,669 in 2023 to around $40,393 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Material Handler/Forklift Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $40,669 |
| 2024 | $40,685 |
| 2025 | $40,393 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $36,806 | 62.4% |
| Bonus | $1,694 | 2.9% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $2,964 | 5.0% |
| 401K/403B | $1,627 | 2.8% |
| Disability | $775 | 1.3% |
| Healthcare | $8,251 | 14.0% |
| Pension | $2,092 | 3.5% |
| Time Off | $4,769 | 8.1% |
| Total Compensation | $58,978 | 100% |
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