As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sit down forklift operator in the United States is $43,828 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Sit down forklift operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sit down 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Sit down 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Sit down forklift operator | $42,922 |
| Intermediate Level Sit down forklift operator | $43,538 |
| Senior Level Sit down forklift operator | $44,813 |
| Specialist Level Sit down forklift operator | $44,986 |
| Expert Level Sit down forklift operator | $45,276 |
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 Sit down forklift operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 5.41% |
| Container | 4.03% |
| Shipping and Receiving | 1.93% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Initiative
|
$45,143 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$45,143 |
3%
|
|
Equipment Operation
|
$45,143 |
3%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$44,705 |
2%
|
|
Commitment
|
$44,705 |
2%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$44,705 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Sit down forklift operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Sit down forklift operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,353 and $42,714).
Sit down forklift operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 80.2% |
| Associates | 10.4% |
| Bachelors | 3.9% |
| Masters | 0.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Sit down 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Sit down forklift operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,044 in 2023 to around $46,676 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Sit down forklift operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $47,044 |
| 2024 | $46,924 |
| 2025 | $46,676 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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