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Forklift operator salary in New Jersey, 2026

How much does a Forklift Operator make in New Jersey?

Average base salary

$20.10
same
as national average
Average $20.10
Low $16.57
High $24.38

The average salary for a forklift operator is $20.10 per hour in New Jersey and $5,250 overtime per year.2.7k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated October 4, 2026).

What Does a Forklift Operator Do?

A forklift operator is a manufacturing professional who uses forklifts to transport heavy materials around warehouses, factories, storage sites or construction sites. Forklift operators typically work under the direction of supply chain managers or warehouse managers. They load cargo onto large pallets that are designed with spaces for the forklift’s prongs to insert and remain in place while lifting and moving. The duties of a forklift operator include but, are not limited, to:
  • Prepping product and merchandise for shipment and moving cargo safely to and from shipping vessels
  • Inspecting product shipments sent and received for any damaged or missing products
  • Identifying and reporting any variance from quality standards to a quality assurance manager
  • Accurately stocking and organizing heavy merchandise or materials in a warehouse or storage location
  • Communicating using radio equipment for shipping, receiving, organizing and moving materials or product
  • Keeping track of inventory and accurate counts of sent and received products as part of the supply chain
  • Maintaining equipment through regular inspections and lubrication and reporting any equipment malfunctions to supervisors
  • Performing basic equipment maintenance unless a specialized mechanic is needed
  • Ensuring a safe work environment by adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
  • Recording processes for quality assurance
Learn more about what a Forklift Operator does

Forklift Operator job openings in New Jersey

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NA Forklift Operator (3rd shif...
Michael Foods3.2out of 5 stars.
Elizabeth, NJ
Full-time
3 weeks ago

Highest paying companies for Forklift Operator in New Jersey

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
On Target Staffing
 
$350,000per year
View company
Empire National
 
$260,000per year
View company
Jet Couriers
 
$96,000per year
View company
TDK Corporation of America
 
$80,000per year
View company
Eastern Lift Truck
 
$74,880per year
View company
Barclay Brand Ferdon
 
$72,800per year
View company

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Highest paying cities for Forklift Operators near New Jersey

  1. Denville, NJ
    $27.94 per hour
  2. Swedesboro, NJ
    $22.29 per hour
  3. Piscataway, NJ
    $20.84 per hour
  4. Cranbury, NJ
    $20.05 per hour
  5. Dayton, NJ
    $20.03 per hour

Where can a Forklift Operator earn more?

Compare salaries for Forklift Operators in different locations
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Skills for Forklift Operator

  • Forklift
  • Warehouse experience
  • Load & unload
  • Materials handling
  • Basic math

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forklift Operator

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $20.10 per hour in New Jersey. This figure is based on 2.7k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on October 4, 2026.

Forklift Operator jobs on Indeed - find your next one today.

Forklift Operator salaries in New Jersey typically range between a low of $16.57 and a high of $24.38 per hour, depending on experience and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Forklift Operator in New Jersey include Denville, NJ at $27.94 per hour, Swedesboro, NJ at $22.29 per hour, and Piscataway, NJ at $20.84 per hour.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Forklift Operator in New Jersey include On Target Staffing ($350,000 per year) and Empire National ($260,000 per year).