How Much Does a Forklift Driver Make? (2025)
A forklift driver is a crucial part of various industries, including warehousing, construction, manufacturing, and service and logistics. As businesses expand and rely on efficient supply chain operations, the demand for skilled forklift drivers remains strong.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes forklift drivers under material moving machine operators, with overall employment projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, matching the average growth rate for all occupations. Annually, around 85,500 forklift operator job openings are expected, largely driven by the need to replace workers retiring or transitioning to other roles.
According to Salary.com, forklift drivers in 2025 can expect an average yearly salary of $43,561.03. This article will provide further details on the average earnings of forklift drivers, the highest-paying cities in the U.S., strategies to ensure and boost income, and answers to frequently asked questions about the profession.
Average Forklift Driver Salary
In 2025, the average annual salary for forklift drivers in the United States is $43,561.03, marking a 1.3% rise from the 2024 average of $43,002.
2025 Forklift Driver Average Salary: $43,561.03 per year ($20.94 per hour)
2024 Forklift Driver Average Salary: $43,002 per year ($20.67 per hour)
As of December 1, 2024, forklift drivers in the United States stand to earn an average annual salary of $43,002. Based on data from Salary.com, salaries typically range from $34,978 to $53,509, with the majority earning between $38,802 and $48,502.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $17 | $673 | $2,915 | $34,978 |
| 25% Percentile | $19 | $746 | $3,234 | $38,802 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $21 | $827 | $3,584 | $43,002 |
| 75% Percentile | $23 | $933 | $4,042 | $48,502 |
| 90% Percentile | $26 | $1,029 | $4,459 | $53,509 |
Forklift Driver Salaries State by State
The earning potential for forklift operators and drivers is heavily impacted by location. Comparing salaries across states can reveal the best places to live and work in the field.
Based on salary data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual compensation at $47,802, while Mississippi has the lowest, with jobs averaging $38,302 per year.
- District of Columbia: $47,802 per year (or $22.98 per hour)
- California: $47,402 per year (or $22.79 per hour)
- New Jersey: $47,102 per year (or 22.65 per hour)
- Alaska: $46,802 per year (or $22.50 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $46,802 per year (or $22.50 per hour)
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $46,802 |
| Alabama | $39,502 |
| Arizona | $41,902 |
| Arkansas | $39,202 |
| California | $47,402 |
| Colorado | $43,802 |
| Connecticut | $46,202 |
| Delaware | $43,602 |
| District of Columbia | $47,802 |
| Florida | $40,802 |
| Georgia | $41,602 |
| Hawaii | $44,902 |
| Idaho | $40,102 |
| Iowa | $41,102 |
| Illinois | $44,002 |
| Indiana | $41,702 |
| Kansas | $40,902 |
| Kentucky | $40,402 |
| Louisiana | $40,902 |
| Maine | $41,802 |
| Maryland | $44,302 |
| Massachusetts | $46,802 |
| Michigan | $42,402 |
| Minnesota | $44,002 |
| Mississippi | $38,302 |
| Missouri | $41,002 |
| Montana | $40,102 |
| Nebraska | $40,502 |
| Nevada | $43,102 |
| New Hampshire | $43,702 |
| New Jersey | $47,102 |
| New York | $45,802 |
| New Mexico | $39,602 |
| North Carolina | $41,302 |
| North Dakota | $42,502 |
| Ohio | $42,002 |
| Oklahoma | $39,802 |
| Oregon | $43,702 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,902 |
| Rhode Island | $44,902 |
| South Carolina | $40,602 |
| South Dakota | $38,602 |
| Tennessee | $39,802 |
| Texas | $42,102 |
| Utah | $40,902 |
| Virginia | $43,102 |
| Washington | $46,302 |
| West Virginia | $38,702 |
| Vermont | $42,202 |
| Wisconsin | $42,502 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Forklift Driver?
The highest-paying cities for forklift drivers are in California and New York, with San Jose and San Francisco leading the way. San Jose, CA, offers employers the top salary for forklift drivers, averaging $53,902 annually, significantly surpassing the national average.
New York and Queens Village also provide attractive salaries for warehouse here, with annual earnings of approximately $50,202 and $49,802, respectively.
- San Jose, California: $53,902 per year (or $25.91 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $53,702 per year ($25.82 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $52,402 per year ($25.19 per hour)
- New York, New York: $50,202 per year ($24.14 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $49,802 per year ($23.94 per hour)
How Experience Affects Forklift Driver Salary?
Forklift driver salaries tend to rise with experience. Those with less than a year of experience typically earn around $42,050 annually. With 1-2 years of experience, the average forklift driver salary grows to $42,802, while 2-4 years of experience usually brings earnings up to $44,575.
Senior drivers with 5-8 years of experience make approximately $44,817, and those with more than 8 years of experience can expect an average salary of $45,220.
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level forklift driver | $42,050 |
| Intermediate-level forklift driver | $42,802 |
| Senior-level forklift driver | $44,575 |
| Specialist-level forklift driver | $44,817 |
| Expert-level forklift driver | $45,220 |
How to Increase Salary as a Forklift Driver?
To increase your earning potential as a forklift driver, consider the following strategies:
- Build your expertise to boost your salary over time. Entry-level forklift drivers typically earn around $42,050, while experienced professionals can make up to $45,220.
- Explore opportunities in higher-paying locations. For example, California offers average salaries of $47,402, while New Jersey ($47,102) and New York ($45,802) also provide competitive compensation.
- Seek advanced positions like senior forklift driver or specialist roles, which usually command higher salaries than entry-level jobs.
- Acquiring relevant certifications or advanced skills, such as forklift maintenance or instructor roles, can qualify you for higher-paying positions, like forklift trainer or technician.
Forklift Driver Skills
Certain skills can significantly enhance a forklift driver's earning potential. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, individuals with expertise in shipping and receiving can earn up to 6.27% more than those candidates who lack this particular skill.
For example, an employee earning the equivalent of an annual salary of $39,490 with shipping and receiving expertise could see an increase of 6.27%. This would amount to an additional $2,476.02, raising their total annual earnings to $41,966.02.
| Skill | Demand | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping and Receiving | 6.03% | 6.27% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 2.06% | 5.81% |
| Heavy Equipment Operation | 2.56% | 5.55% |
| Forklift Operation | 2.46% | 4.90% |
| Material Handling | 16.81% | 3.64% |
| Quality Control | 3.03% | 3.27% |
| Safety Policies and Procedures | 9.86% | 2.63% |
| Loading and Unloading Operations | 25.31% | 2.53% |
Forklift Driver Salary FAQs
Here are some FAQs for better understanding:
What is the highest pay for forklift driver?
A forklift driver's salary is significantly impacted by factors such as location, level of experience, and specific skills. According to Salary.com, individuals in the 90th percentile of forklift drivers can earn an average yearly income of $53,509.
What is the average salary of a forklift driver in US?
Forklift drivers earn an average yearly salary of $43,002. Salaries typically range from $34,978 to $53,509, with the majority falling between $38,802 and $48,502.
On an hourly basis, forklift drivers earn an average of $22, with rates ranging from $17 to $26. By 2025, the median annual average forklift driver salary is $43,561.03.
What forklift drivers do?
Forklift drivers are responsible for the following tasks:
- Preparing and inspecting equipment used for moving materials.
- Operating machinery using levers, pedals, or wheels to control its movement.
- Transporting materials based on a specified plan or schedule.
- Communicating with and directing team members during the loading and unloading process.
- Documenting the materials moved and their destinations.
- Performing minor maintenance or repairs on their equipment.
