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Forklift operator salary in Indianapolis, IN

How much does a Forklift Operator make in Indianapolis, IN?

Average base salary

$19.46
same
as national average
Average $19.46
Low $16.59
High $22.84

The average salary for a forklift operator is $19.46 per hour in Indianapolis, IN and $5,563 overtime per year.477 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated September 19, 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 Indianapolis, IN

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Forklift Operator
Republic Services3out of 5 stars.
Indianapolis, IN
Full-time
1 day ago

Highest paying companies for Forklift Operator in Indianapolis, IN

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
PepsiCo
 
$60,000per year
View company
CONGRA FOODS
 
$59,457per year
View company
Gillmann Services
 
$54,340per year
View company
Zenith American Solutions
 
$53,581per year
View company
Premier Staffing Solution
 
$52,000per year
View company
Merchandise Warehouse
 
$52,000per year
View company

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Highest paying cities for Forklift Operators near Indianapolis, IN

  1. Clayton, IN
    $23.00 per hour
  2. Lebanon, IN
    $20.69 per hour
  3. Indianapolis, IN
    $19.46 per hour
  4. Plainfield, IN
    $19.36 per hour
  5. Madison, IN
    $19.18 per hour

Where can a Forklift Operator earn more?

Compare salaries for Forklift Operators in different locations
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forklift Operator

The average salary for a Forklift Operator is $19.46 per hour in Indianapolis, IN. This figure is based on 477 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on September 19, 2026.

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

Forklift Operator salaries in Indianapolis, IN typically range between a low of $16.59 and a high of $22.84 per hour, depending on experience and the hiring company.

Some of the highest-paying cities for Forklift Operator in Indianapolis, IN include Clayton, IN at $23.00 per hour, Lebanon, IN at $20.69 per hour, and Plainfield, IN at $19.36 per hour.

Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Forklift Operator in Indianapolis, IN include PepsiCo ($60,000 per year) and CONGRA FOODS ($59,457 per year).