Telehandler Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Telehandler Operator make in the United States?

As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Telehandler Operator in the United States is $40,929 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Telehandler Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,639
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,888 to $44,965
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,120
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View as table View as graph 25% $37,888 10% $35,120 90% $48,639 75% $44,965 $40,929 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Telehandler Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $44,965 $3,747 $865 $22
Average $40,929 $3,411 $787 $20
25th Percentile $37,888 $3,157 $729 $18
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Key Factors That Influence Telehandler Operator Salaries

A Telehandler 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.

Top Paying Cities for Telehandler Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $51,624
  • San Francisco: $51,116
  • Oakland: $49,983

What Skills Can Increase a Telehandler Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.83% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 3.86% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
  • Warehouse Management (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): Planning, arranging, and organizing goods and materials for the daily operation of a warehouse.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.83%
Housekeeping 3.86%
Warehouse Management 1.82%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Telehandler Operator's salary.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Scheduling: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Presentation
$44,613
9%
Collaboration
$42,976
5%
Scheduling
$42,566
4%
Standard Operating Procedures
$42,566
4%
Leadership
$42,566
4%
Dedication
$42,157
3%
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How Education impacts a Telehandler Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Telehandler 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 Telehandler Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,284 and $42,760).

Telehandler Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Telehandler Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.5%
High School 60.0%
Associates 25.0%
Bachelors 7.5%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Telehandler Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Telehandler 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 February 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Telehandler Operator

Salaries for a Telehandler Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,347 in 2023 to around $44,010 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Telehandler Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Telehandler Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$44,347
2024
$44,308
2025
$44,010
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $44,347
2024 $44,308
2025 $44,010
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Telehandler Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Telehandler Operator

Here are companies hiring for Telehandler Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Telehandler Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Telehandler Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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