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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Forklift Driver in Ohio is $40,303 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 | $43,665 | $3,639 | $840 | $21 |
| Average | $40,303 | $3,359 | $775 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,858 | $3,072 | $709 | $18 |
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Plain City, OH
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Girard, OH
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Dayton, OH
TradeJobsWorkforce - Arlington, OH
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 | $39,968 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Forklift Driver | $40,542 |
| Senior Level Certified Forklift Driver | $41,727 |
| Specialist Level Certified Forklift Driver | $41,888 |
| Expert Level Certified Forklift Driver | $42,157 |
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 | $48,364 | $23.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,140 | $22.0 | 12% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $44,334 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $44,334 | $21.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $43,527 | $21.0 | 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 | $43,665 | $3,639 | $840 | $21 |
| Average | $40,303 | $3,359 | $775 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,858 | $3,072 | $709 | $18 |
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.
Kasai North America
Upper Sandusky, OH
Kasai North America | Upper Sandusky, OH
FORKLIFT DRIVER. Until Filled (CST). Upper Sandusky 3260. 1111 N Warpole St, Upper Sandusky, OH, United States. 20.12-24.87 per hour Pay is based on experi... more
7 Days Ago
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Toledo, OH
Costco Wholesale Corporation | Toledo, OH
Warehouse Forklift Operator. Operates a stand-up electric forklift to move pallets of merchandise and equipment throughout the warehouse. Hand stacks produ... more
7 Days Ago
Parker Trutec Mexicana
Urbana, OH
Parker Trutec Mexicana | Urbana, OH
Forklift OperatorThe position of Forklift Operator will operate powered industrial trucks to load and unload materials, move them to and from hold areas, m... more
8 Days Ago
TP Mechanical
Cincinnati, OH
TP Mechanical | Cincinnati, OH
Forklift DriverResponsibilities and Duties:Load, unload, pack, and unpack materials and pipe of all types and sizes.Label and sort incoming and outgoing sh... more
8 Days Ago
Axelon
Columbus, OH
Axelon | Columbus, OH
Job PostingShift:3 PM - 11:30 PM Pay:$18.34/hrThis position is non-exempt. Hours over 40 will be paid at time and a half. Operates gasoline, diesel, electr... more
8 Days Ago
Costco Wholesale Corporation
Hudson, OH
Costco Wholesale Corporation | Hudson, OH
Warehouse Forklift Operator. Operates a stand-up electric forklift to move pallets of merchandise and equipment throughout the warehouse. Hand stacks produ... more
8 Days Ago
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