How Much Does a Material Handler/Forklift Driver make?

Material Handler/Forklift Driver made a median salary around $36,904 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $41,035 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $33,683. 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 Material Handler/Forklift Driver jobs in Missouri

Driver/Material Handler

DARRAGH COMPANY - Springfield, MO

Material Handler

B. Braun US Pharmaceutical Manufacturing LLC - IRVINE, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Material Handler/Forklift Driver

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Material Handler/Forklift Driver profession are Kansas City , Riverside , Waldron , Independence , Liberty .
Kansas City, MO $37,859
Riverside, MO $37,859
Waldron, MO $37,825
Independence, MO $37,817
Liberty, MO $37,797

Best-Paying States for Material Handler/Forklift Driver

The states and districts that pay Material Handler/Forklift Driver the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $43,006) , California (around $42,843) , Massachusetts (around $42,272) , Washington (around $42,117) , and New Jersey (around $42,101) .
District of Columbia $43,006
California $42,843
Massachusetts $42,272
Washington $42,117
New Jersey $42,101

What is the Career Path of Material Handler/Forklift Driver?

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 Material Handler/Forklift Driver, the first career path typically progresses to Materials Handler - Hospital.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Materials Handler II position , and then progresses to Materials Handler III.

Frequently Asked Questions for Material Handler/Forklift Driver

Q: What is the salary range of Material Handler/Forklift Driver in Missouri?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Material Handler/Forklift Driver in Missouri earned an average annual salary of $33,683 , while the highest-paid made $41,035.
Q: What is the salary for a Material Handler/Forklift Driver in California?
A: Material Handler/Forklift Driver employed in California earned an average salary of $42,843 in 2025.