As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Forklift Driver in the United States is $42,802. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $36,689 to a high of $52,354, with most professionals earning between $39,602 and $47,802.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,802 | $3,984 | $919 | $23 |
| Average | $42,802 | $3,567 | $823 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,602 | $3,300 | $762 | $19 |
An entry-level Forklift Driver with less than 1 year of experience earns about $42,329. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $42,902. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $44,544. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $44,768, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $45,141.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Forklift Driver | $42,329 |
| Intermediate Level Forklift Driver | $42,902 |
| Senior Level Forklift Driver | $44,544 |
| Specialist Level Forklift Driver | $44,768 |
| Expert Level Forklift Driver | $45,141 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 4% |
| Top Level | 5% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Forklift Driver compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $46,199 in 2023 to approximately $46,081 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Forklift Driver salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Forklift Driver information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Forklift Driver job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Forklift Driver and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $42,802 | 66.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,274 | 5.1% | ||
| 401K/403B | $1,798 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $856 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 12.9% | ||
| Pension | $2,311 | 3.6% | ||
| Time Off | $5,268 | 8.1% | ||
| Total Compensation | $64,662 | 100% | ||
| 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% |
What Am I Worth?
Yes. Regardless of industry, a forklift operator must possess a valid license to use a lift at any worksite in the United States. Forklift drivers can expect to earn a salary ranging from $38,902 to $48,602, with a median salary of approximately $43,102.
In 2024, Skidder Operators and Stacker Operators are among the highest-paid forklift jobs, earning up to $57,500 and $45,000 a year, respectively. Certified Forklift Operators can expect to earn between $38,902 and $48,602 annually, with a mid-salary of $43,102, significantly enhancing their salary potential compared to non-certified operators.
Forklift drivers in the USA earn between $38,902 and $48,602 annually. The average salary is approximately $43,102, translating to about $3,592 per month. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location within the industry.
The salary range for Forklift Drivers at Sysco is approximately $38,902 to $48,602 annually. The average salary falls around $43,102. This reflects the base pay and any additional compensation, aligning with an hourly rate of about $20 to $27.
Employers prefer certified operators for a safe and accident-free work environment. Forklift certification can lead to higher earning potential, with salaries ranging from $38,902 to $48,602. It also paves the way for career advancement, boosting your marketability and demonstrating your commitment to safety and professionalism in the workplace.
Forklift drivers earn competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required for the job and the responsibility of operating heavy machinery. With a minimum salary of $38,902, a mid-range salary of $43,102, and a maximum of $48,602, their pay reflects the demand for skilled operators, especially during night shifts and overtime, which can further enhance their earnings.
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.
