You might ask how much do forklift drivers make. In 2025, the average hourly wage in the United States is $20.94. The yearly salary is about $43,561.03. California has higher pay, especially in big cities. In Los Angeles, the average pay is $21 per hour. Most jobs pay between $17 and $26 per hour. But how much do forklift drivers make depends on many factors. These include your experience, where you work, your certifications, and the industry. The table below shows important things that affect pay for forklift drivers:
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Experience level | New drivers start with less pay and earn more over time with a good record. |
The industry | Some jobs pay more, especially if they have tight deadlines or heavy loads. |
The size of the business | Big or union companies usually pay more. |
Your location | Big cities and busy markets often pay higher wages. |
Knowing how much do forklift drivers make helps you plan your job and set goals. If you want to know pay in your area, look at local job ads for the latest rates.
Key Takeaways
Forklift drivers in the U.S. usually make $20.94 each hour. Pay changes depending on experience, where you work, and the industry. Big cities or busy industries can give you more money. California has some of the highest pay for forklift drivers. Getting certified and learning more can help you earn more money. Overtime and special jobs can raise your salary. You can work extra hours or get advanced certifications. To do well as a forklift driver, focus on safety training. Try to get different kinds of experience. Keep your certifications up to date.
Forklift Operator Salary Overview
Average Hourly Wage for Forklift Drivers
Forklift drivers in the United States usually make about $21 an hour. This number has changed a bit in the last five years. In 2023, the middle wage was higher. It went down a little in 2025. Most forklift drivers earn between $17 and $26 an hour. Your pay depends on where you work and how much experience you have. Here are some important facts about hourly pay:
The average pay per hour is $21.
The average yearly pay is $42,802.
The middle yearly pay dropped from $46,199 in 2023 to $45,837 in 2025.
If you work in California, you might get paid more, especially in big cities. The table below shows how pay changes in different cities:
City | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
Los Angeles | $47,403 |
Riverside | $45,203 |
Ontario | N/A |
Average Yearly Salary for Forklift Operators
Where you live can change your forklift driver pay. In the United States, the average yearly pay for forklift drivers is $42,756. If you work in California, you can make more money. The average pay in California is $47,160. Here is a chart to compare:
Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
United States | $42,756 |
California | $47,160 |
Some cities in California pay even more. The next table shows the average pay in different California cities:
City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
San Jose | $54,003 |
San Francisco | $53,403 |
Oakland | $52,303 |
Vallejo, CA | $48,203 |
Petaluma, CA | $48,003 |
Santa Cruz, CA | $47,803 |
Los Angeles, CA | $47,403 |
Sacramento, CA | $46,403 |
San Diego, CA | $46,303 |
Bakersfield, CA | $45,203 |
Riverside, CA | $45,203 |
San Bernardino, CA | $45,003 |
You can see that San Jose and San Francisco pay the most in California.
Overtime and Additional Pay
You can make more money as a forklift driver by working overtime or getting extra certifications. Many jobs let you work extra hours for more pay. If you get special certifications, you can get better jobs and use harder machines. Here are some things that can change your pay:
Factor | Impact on Pay Opportunities |
|---|---|
Experience level | More experienced operators tend to earn higher wages |
Industry | Construction and manufacturing tend to pay more |
Certifications | Additional certifications enhance marketability |
Region | Higher pay in big cities and high cost of living |
Overtime hours | Opportunities for overtime pay are common |
Type of equipment | Operating complex lifts may provide a pay premium |
Tip: If you want to make more money as a forklift driver, try to get certified and look for overtime. Special jobs and more experience can help you earn the most.
You can see that many things change how much forklift drivers get paid. If you work on your skills and get more certifications, you can earn more and find better jobs.
Factors Affecting Forklift Drivers’ Pay
Location and Cost of Living
Where you live can change your pay as a forklift operator. Cities that cost more to live in usually pay more. This helps workers afford things they need every day. Here are some things you might see:
Big cities often pay more to get forklift operators.
States with lots of jobs, like construction or oil, pay more because it costs more to live there.
Places where things cost less or have fewer jobs may pay less.
If you want to make more money, try to find jobs in cities with lots of work and a strong economy.
Experience and Seniority
How long you have worked matters for your pay. When you get more years on the job, you earn more money. The table below shows how pay goes up with more experience:
Experience Level | Salary |
|---|---|
Entry-Level (less than 1 year) | $42,294 |
Early Career (1-2 years) | $42,903 |
Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $44,151 |
Senior-Level (5-8 years) | $44,321 |
Expert (over 8 years) | $44,604 |
You can see that even a few years of work can help you get paid more.
Certification and Specialized Roles
Getting a certification can help you get noticed and earn more money. Many companies want forklift operators who have special training. The table below shows how different certifications can change your pay:
Certification Type | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
OSHA Forklift Operator Certification | $24.85 |
Certified Forklift Operator | $34,000 – $42,000 |
If you get a special job or become a supervisor, you can make a lot more. Some special jobs pay between $50,000 and $80,000 each year.
Tip: You can make more money by getting more certifications and moving up to better jobs.
Industry Differences
The type of work you do can change your pay a lot. Forklift operators in air transportation can make high wages. For example, in Tennessee, the average is $63,770. In Colorado, it is $63,100. Water transportation pays even more in some places. In Hawaii, the average is $90,180. Other states, like Florida, may pay less, around $47,590.
If you want to earn the most, look for jobs in industries that pay more and think about moving to states where forklift drivers are needed.
Forklift Operator Salary by State and Region
Highest Paying States for Forklift Drivers
You can find some of the best pay for forklift drivers in certain states. Alaska leads the list with the highest average salary. North Dakota and Minnesota also offer strong pay. If you want to earn more, you should look at these states first. Here is a table that shows the top ten states for forklift driver pay:
Rank | State | Average Forklift Driver Salary |
|---|---|---|
1 | Alaska | $43,069 |
2 | North Dakota | $42,539 |
3 | Minnesota | $38,789 |
4 | Washington | $37,877 |
5 | Montana | $37,495 |
6 | Wyoming | $36,999 |
7 | Oregon | $36,787 |
8 | Wisconsin | $36,688 |
9 | Hawaii | $36,516 |
10 | South Dakota | $36,290 |
You can see that most of these states are in the northern part of the country. Cold weather and remote locations can mean higher pay. Companies want to attract workers, so they offer more money.
Lowest Paying States and Regional Trends
Some states pay less for forklift work. You will find lower wages in the South and some parts of the Midwest. These areas have a lower cost of living, so companies do not need to pay as much. States like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia often have the lowest pay. You may also see lower wages in rural areas where there are fewer big warehouses or factories.
If you want to earn more, you should look for jobs in states with higher pay or in large cities. Big cities and states with busy ports or lots of factories usually pay more. You can use this information to plan your next move and find the best place for your forklift career.
How to Become a Forklift Driver
Basic Requirements
If you want to be a forklift driver, you must meet some rules. Most jobs want you to have these things:
You need to be 18 years old or older.
Some jobs ask for a high school diploma or GED.
You should not have problems seeing or moving that make driving unsafe.
Many states also want you to prove you live in the U.S. The table below shows what most forklift drivers need:
Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
Citizenship | U.S. citizenship or lawful presence |
Age | At least 18 years old |
Physical Ability | Able to safely operate equipment without impairments |
Every state can have its own safety group. For example, California has Cal/OSHA and Alaska has AKOSH. These groups make rules for forklift drivers.
Certification Process
You have to finish forklift training before you start work. Getting certified has a few steps:
Learn about safe forklift driving in a class.
Practice driving a forklift with a teacher watching.
Pass a test from your boss.
Fill out forms to get your certificate.
Groups like OSHA and OSHAcademy give out certificates that jobs accept. Most forklift classes last only one or two days. You will pay about $79 for a basic class. Refresher classes start at $49. Your certificate lasts for three years. After that, you need to take another class.
Tip: Always keep your certificate current so you can stay safe and keep your job.
Tips to Increase Forklift Operator Salary
You can make more money as a forklift driver if you do these things:
Start by taking forklift training and getting your certificate.
Try to use many types of forklifts to get experience.
Learn about new machines and safety rules.
Get higher certificates, like Forklift Safety Inspector.
Try for special jobs or become a supervisor.
Work nights or weekends to get overtime pay.
Forklift drivers who keep learning and try new things usually get paid the most.
Forklift drivers get paid different amounts. Pay depends on where you work, your experience, and your certifications. If you want to make more money, try to get certified. You should also look for special jobs.
Getting training and certification helps you get hired.
Special jobs, like moving dangerous things or using hard machines, pay more.
Working at night or on weekends can help you earn extra money.
If you want to start as a forklift driver and do well, follow these steps:
Make sure you are old enough and healthy.
Learn how to stay safe when using a forklift.
Pick which kind of forklift you want to use.
Finish training and practice driving a forklift.
When you have good skills and training, you can have a great job as a forklift driver.
FAQ
What skills do you need to become a forklift driver?
You need good hand-eye coordination, attention to safety, and basic math skills. You should also follow instructions and work well with others.
How long does forklift certification last?
Most forklift certifications last three years. After that, you need to take a refresher course to keep your certificate active.
Can forklift drivers work part-time?
Yes, many companies offer part-time shifts. You can find flexible hours in warehouses, factories, and stores.
Do forklift drivers need to pass a drug test?
Most employers require a drug test before you start work. This helps keep the workplace safe for everyone.
Note: Forklift drivers often get more job offers if they have a clean record and up-to-date training.
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