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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Forklift Driver in North Carolina is $39,335 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Certified Forklift Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Forklift Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $42,615 | $3,551 | $820 | $20 |
| Average | $39,335 | $3,278 | $756 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,973 | $2,998 | $692 | $17 |
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Winston Salem, NC
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Raleigh, NC
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Greensboro, NC
A Certified 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified 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 Certified Forklift Driver | $39,008 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Forklift Driver | $39,568 |
| Senior Level Certified Forklift Driver | $40,724 |
| Specialist Level Certified Forklift Driver | $40,882 |
| Expert Level Certified Forklift Driver | $41,144 |
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 Certified Forklift Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Certified Forklift Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Certified Forklift Driver positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified Forklift Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $47,202 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $44,055 | $21.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $43,268 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $43,268 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $42,481 | $20.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Certified 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $42,615 | $3,551 | $820 | $20 |
| Average | $39,335 | $3,278 | $756 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,973 | $2,998 | $692 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Forklift Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Manpower
Greenville, NC
Manpower | Greenville, NC
Forklift Driver. Our client, a leading manufacturing organization, is seeking a Forklift Driver to join their team. As a Forklift Driver, you will be part ... more
6 Days Ago
Profile Products
Conover, NC
Profile Products | Conover, NC
Forklift Operator. Forklift Operator, under direct supervision, is responsible for successfully moving materials throughout the facility operating a forkli... more
6 Days Ago
Pactiv Evergreen
Salisbury, NC
Pactiv Evergreen | Salisbury, NC
Forklift Driver. Novoplex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, res... more
7 Days Ago
EcoFiber Packaging
Charlotte, NC
EcoFiber Packaging | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a reliable Forklift Driver to join our dedicated warehouse team. This role involves operating forklifts to... more
7 Days Ago
Partners Personnel
Kernersville, NC
Partners Personnel | Kernersville, NC
Partners Personnel - - Responsibilities: Safely operate material handling equipment including forklifts and overhead cranes. Accurately pick and place part... more
7 Days Ago
TradeJobsWorkforce
Jonesville, NC
TradeJobsWorkforce | Jonesville, NC
he Forklift Operator/Sorter will be responsible for all of the day to day functions, including but not limited to. Manually sort and bale trash, plastic, S... more
8 Days Ago
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