Content has loaded

Forklift operator salary in United States, 2026

How much does a Forklift Operator make in the United States?

Average base salary

$19.19
Average $19.19
Low $15.54
High $23.68

The average salary for a forklift operator is $19.19 per hour in the United States and $5,437 overtime per year.83.7k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 20, 2026).

Forklift Operator job openings in United States

slide 1 of 6
slide1 of 6
SHIPPING FORKLIFT OPERATOR 2ND...
Trident Seafoods3.6out of 5 stars.
Motley, MN
$21.75 - $24.57 an hour
2 hours ago

Highest paying companies for Forklift Operator in United States

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
CORONA MILLWORKS
 
$375,000per year
View company
Empire National
 
$261,814per year
Elite Transportation Systems I...
 
$220,000per year
Spirit Delivery
 
$193,143per year
Endeavor Air
 
$140,400per year
Mortenson Construction
 
$126,142per year

Highest paying cities for Forklift Operators near United States

  1. Phoenix, AZ
    $20.02 per hour
  2. Ontario, CA
    $19.75 per hour
  3. Groveport, OH
    $19.50 per hour
  4. Louisville, KY
    $18.84 per hour
  5. Memphis, TN
    $18.82 per hour

Where can a Forklift Operator earn more?

Compare salaries for Forklift Operators in different locations
vs