How Much Does a Warehouse Forklift Operator Make in 2025?
A warehouse forklift operator handles and controls the forklifts to stack and retrieve goods, supplies, and materials. They are responsible for maintaining inventory and for production area cleanliness. They also document and maintain inventory records.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects a 3% job growth for material moving machine operators, including forklift operators, from 2023 to 2033.
Salaries for warehouse forklift operators remain competitive in 2025. Salary.com reported that the average warehouse forklift operator earns $42,803 per year and $21 per hour, as of August 28, 2025.
Warehouse forklift operator pay can vary based on experience, industry, location, and certifications, which we'll cover later in this salary guide. Some operators may also qualify for additional benefits and overtime pay, depending on their role.
What is the Average Warehouse Forklift Operator's Salary?
The average warehouse forklift operator salary in the United States is $42,803 per year, as of August 28, 2025. For the hourly wage, warehouse forklift operators have an average salary of $21 per hour, with rates ranging from $19 to $22 per hour. These wages are often compared with the federal minimum wage to determine fair compensation for employees.
2025 Warehouse Forklift Operator Average Salary: $42,803 per year ($21 per hour)
Meanwhile, the average weekly and monthly salaries for warehouse forklift operators are $823 per week and $3,567 per month, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for a Warehouse Forklift Operator?
According to a recent Salary.com report, the salary range for warehouse forklift operators starts at $36,307 and can reach as high as $50,063 per year, with most earnings falling between $39,403 and $46,603 per year.
Warehouse Forklift Operator Salary Range: $36,307 to $50,063 per year ($17 to $24 per hour)
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17 | $698 | $3,026 | $36,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $19 | $758 | $3,284 | $39,403 |
| 50th (Median) | $21 | $823 | $3,567 | $42,803 |
| 75th Percentile | $22 | $896 | $3,884 | $46,603 |
| 90th Percentile | $24 | $963 | $4,172 | $50,063 |
However, as mentioned earlier, the salary range for warehouse forklift operators can vary based on factors like education, experience, and location.
Warehouse Forklift Operator Salary Factors
Several factors affect a warehouse forklift operator's salary, including education, location, experience, and skills. Below, we break down each factor to explain how it influences earnings.
Years of Experience
The average salary for warehouse forklift operators, based on years of experience, ranges from $42,294 per year for entry-level to $44,604 per year for managers with over eight years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | < 1 year | $42,294 |
| Intermediate Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | 1-2 years | $42,903 |
| Senior Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | 2-4 years | $44,151 |
| Specialist Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | 5-8 years | $44,321 |
| Expert Level Warehouse Forklift Operator | 8+ years | $44,604 |
Place of Work
The BLS shows an annual wage for material moving machine operators, including warehouse forklift operators, in the top industries they worked in. Depending on the company, wages may differ significantly by category of industry.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Construction | $68,110 |
| Warehousing and storage | $47,880 |
| Food manufacturing | $45,220 |
| Wholesale trade | $45,020 |
| Temporary help services | $37,910 |
Based on the data, forklift operators in warehouse and storage earn about $47,880 per year, while those working for other industries like construction earn about $68,110 annually. Salaries vary depending on the industry.
Skill Set
Warehouse forklift operators with in-demand skills can increase their salaries. Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report showed that warehouse forklift operators with replenishment and ordering skills can earn 10.78% more than those without.
According to the same report, a warehouse forklift operator with forklift operation skills is more likely to experience a salary increase of 10.52%, followed by skills like safety training and order processing.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Replenishment and Ordering | 10.50% | +10.78% |
| Forklift Operation | 10.70% | +10.52% |
| Safety Training | 10.70% | +8.73% |
| Order Processing | 10.40% | +8.37% |
| Safety Policies and Procedures | 10.60% | +7.92% |
| Packaging | 10.90% | +7.44% |
Warehouse Forklift Operator Salary by City and State
The location where a warehouse forklift operator works can affect their salary. This information is useful for tracking salary trends, negotiating pay, or planning a career in the field. Many people also consider the cost of living, including home expenses and health care, when evaluating job offers.
Highest Paying States for Warehouse Forklift Operators
Based on Salary.com pay data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for warehouse forklift operators in the United States, at $47,403 per year, followed by California at $47,203.
- District of Columbia: $47,403 ($23 per hour)
- California: $47,203 ($23 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $46,603 ($22 per hour)
- Washington: $46,403 ($22 per hour)
- New Jersey: $46,403 ($22 per hour)
Warehouse Forklift Operator Salary by State/Territory
| State/Territory | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $46,303 |
| Alabama | $39,303 |
| Arkansas | $38,703 |
| Arizona | $41,703 |
| California | $47,203 |
| Colorado | $43,703 |
| Connecticut | $45,703 |
| District of Columbia | $47,403 |
| Delaware | $43,403 |
| Florida | $40,503 |
| Georgia | $41,303 |
| Hawaii | $44,703 |
| Iowa | $41,003 |
| Idaho | $40,003 |
| Illinois | $43,603 |
| Indiana | $41,103 |
| Kansas | $40,803 |
| Kentucky | $40,303 |
| Louisiana | $40,703 |
| Massachusetts | $46,603 |
| Maryland | $44,103 |
| Maine | $41,703 |
| Michigan | $42,203 |
| Minnesota | $43,803 |
| Missouri | $40,703 |
| Mississippi | $38,203 |
| Montana | $40,403 |
| North Carolina | $40,703 |
| North Dakota | $42,303 |
| Nebraska | $40,303 |
| New Hampshire | $43,303 |
| New Jersey | $46,403 |
| New Mexico | $39,703 |
| Nevada | $42,403 |
| New York | $45,503 |
| Ohio | $41,703 |
| Oklahoma | $39,603 |
| Oregon | $43,503 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,603 |
| Rhode Island | $44,403 |
| South Carolina | $40,103 |
| South Dakota | $38,903 |
| Tennessee | $40,003 |
| Texas | $41,803 |
| Utah | $41,003 |
| Virginia | $43,103 |
| Vermont | $42,003 |
| Washington | $46,403 |
| Wisconsin | $42,103 |
| West Virginia | $38,603 |
| Wyoming | $41,103 |
Highest Paying Cities for Warehouse Forklift Operators
Salary.com data shows that San Jose, California, offers the highest pay for warehouse forklift operators at $54,003 per year or $26 per hour. The other top highest-paying cities for warehouse forklift operators are:
- San Jose, California: $54,003 ($26 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $53,503 ($26 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $52,303 ($25 per hour)
- New York, New York: $49,603 ($24 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $49,303 ($24 per hour)
- Paramus, New Jersey: $48,903 ($24 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Warehouse Forklift Operator
Warehouse forklift operators can increase their earning potential by building experience, learning valuable skills, and moving up in their careers. Here are some effective strategies to help boost salary:
- Gain experience: Employers tend to pay more as you gain experience as forklift operator. For example, entry-level warehouse forklift operators may earn around $42,294 per year, while those in senior roles or with extensive experience can make over $44,151, according to Salary.com.
- Learn in-demand skills: Skills like replenishment and ordering, forklift operation and safety training are highly valued. For instance, forklift operators with replenishment and ordering skills can see up to a 10.78% salary increase, based on real-time job posting data.
- Earn a diploma: According to BLS, even though there is usually no official educational requirement, employers sometimes favor hiring material moving machine operators, including warehouse forklift operators, with a high school degree.
- Work in high-paying areas: Salaries vary by location. For example, warehouse forklift operators in the District of Columbia can earn $47,403 per year, while those in California average around $47,203.
- Negotiate: If you ever question whether your pay is fair, it's best to conduct a salary review and compare your earnings with others in the same field. Understand current market rates and be ready to negotiate based on your qualifications. As of August 28, 2025, the question of how much does a forklift operator in the United States earns is answered with $42,803 per year or about $21 per hour.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of August 28, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for warehouse forklift operators in the United States is $43,619.4 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$42,803/ year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$43,741/ year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$51,000/ year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$43,700/ year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$36,853/ year
