▼16%
$17.62
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$13.90
MEDIAN
$17.62
90%
$21.99
The average hourly pay for a Forklift Operator is $17.62 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$14 - $22
Bonus
$106 - $4k
Profit Sharing
$27 - $3k
Total Pay
$29k - $47k
Is Average Forklift Operator with Shipping Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Forklift Operators?
What Do Forklift Operators Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Forklift Operator
Medical
67%
Dental
61%
Vision
57%
None
31%
Gender Breakdown for Forklift Operators
Male
90.1%
Female
8.7%
Prefer to self-define
0.6%
This data is based on 335 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Forklift Operators
What is the highest pay for Forklift Operators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Forklift Operator is $21.99 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Forklift Operators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Forklift Operator is $13.90 / hour
How can Forklift Operators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Forklift Operator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Forklift Operator that oversees more junior Forklift Operators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.