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Salary and Benefits

Forklift Operator
$33K-$41K / yr. (est.)
$34K
$37,371 / year
$41K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Forklift Operator

What does a Forklift Operator do?

As forklift operators, we unload merchandise and materials from delivery vehicles and stack them to designated areas. We locate and move stocks of products to crates or pallets for shipment or storage. We are responsible for identifying and reporting shortages, damages and any quality issues on materials or products before storage or shipment. We are charged with transporting raw materials to production workstations. We are expected to perform inspection of machinery to determine needed repairs and ensure regular maintenance to enhance safety of the equipment. We ensure that the working environment is safe and orderly. We forklift operators also maintain updated records and activity logs for inventory and its movement within the facilities.

Core tasks:

  • unpacking materials and merchandise from vehicles
  • ensuring that delivered materials and products are properly stored
  • arranging stocks for shipment or storage
  • checking the conditions of products and materials before dispatch or storage
  • moving materials to production stations
  • performing inspection of machinery
  • scheduling maintenance of the machines
  • maintaining inventory and activity logs

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Forklift Operator?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Forklift Operator.
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Forklift OperatorNew York City, NY - A year ago
😡 This is an insult to all those skilled operators who started forklifting right out of high school! Shame on this ignorant post!
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Forklift OperatorAtlanta, GA - A year ago
I reckon there's some truth to this info. I drove a tractor trailer before getting into forklifting, and it did help me understand loads better. But who am I to say?
How Long Do Forklift Operator Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Forklift Operators works in this position for 3-5 years across multiple employers.
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Warehouse Associate3 months ago
10 years
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Jen Thompson3 months ago
Guys, 3-5 years seems fair. If they’re reliable and sharp, they can be real assets to the team! 🚜
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Forklift Operator Employees?
Moderate job changes in Forklift Operator, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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Customer Service RepresentativeMiami, FL - A year ago
hey, who did this lame infographic? they should've added more exciting career options for those who want to stay in the industry but don't necessarily want to operate a forklift forever! 😡
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HR ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
As an HR manager, I appreciate seeing job stability in the forklift operator field. It showcases the importance of consistency and commitment. Well done! 💪

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Forklift Operator's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Forklift Operator typically studied at.
Community College of the Air Force
DeVry University-Arizona

Path after job

A Forklift Operator typically moves on to these titles.
7 %
Machine Operator
Avg. length of tenure:2 years
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Read more
6 %
Material Handler
Avg. length of tenure:2 years
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Read more
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Forklift Operator4 months ago
I have driven various types of forklift
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Former Forklift Operator12 weeks ago
I have operated forklifts in the past and backhoes and excavators. I owned aCase 1080 for several years.

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Forklift Operator Employees?
Gender ratio in Forklift Operator position: 0.905854467883385 Male and 0.0941455321166153 Female. Age ratio in Forklift Operator position: 16-20: 34%, 21-30: 44%, 31-40: 14%, 41-50: 6%, 51-60: 2%, 60+: 0%. Forklift Operator position is predominantly male (90.6%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 16-20 years old.
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Forklift OperatorPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
This is ridiculous! We need more diversity in this industry. 🙄
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Forklift OperatorPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
Is it possible that the lack of women in this profession is due to societal expectations and stereotypes? 🤔

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Forklift Operator?
Top employers of Forklift Operator position: Costco, DHL Supply Chain, Exel. People who work in Forklift Operator position most typically go on to work for the Costco.
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Forklift OperatorChicago, IL - A year ago
Oh please, no one comes close to Costco in terms of pay and benefits. Stop giving false hope to people.
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Forklift OperatorNew York City, NY - A year ago
Actually, I heard that Exel has the highest employee satisfaction rating. Their workers love the company culture!
Costco
DHL Supply Chain
Exel
What Industries Does Forklift Operator Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Forklift Operator: Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation & Warehousing, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Wholesale. Forklift Operator employees most likely come from a Manufacturing industry background.
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Forklift OperatorNew York City, NY - A year ago
Being a forklift operator in a busy city like NYC is no joke. The traffic, the limited space, it's a constant challenge. But it's also rewarding when you nail those tight maneuvers.
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Forklift OperatorMiami, FL - A year ago
🔥 Forklift operator life! The gleam in my eye when I flawlessly stack those pallets, it's priceless. Who needs a gym when you have a forklift?

Find your job as Forklift Operator

Discussion about Forklift Operator

Want to know more about Forklift Operator position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Forklift Operator position with others in our community.
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Is Forklift Operator a female or male dominated profession?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
It’s mainly dominated by men.
How old are people who work as a Forklift Operator?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
The typical age is 26 for a Forklift Operator.
How much experience do you need to work as a Forklift Operator?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
4 years of experience is needed on average for a Forklift Operator.
Which industries have a lot of people working in Forklift Operator roles?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Manufacturing employs the most.
Is a degree needed to work as a Forklift Operator?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Most people have No higher education
As a Forklift Operator, which company should I definitely check out for jobs?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Costco, DHL Supply Chain, Exel, FedEx and ProLogistix employs the most people in the Forklift Operator role.
How long do people usually work as a Forklift Operator when they switch to another position?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
On average people change after 4 years.
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Forklift Operator?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
The job hopper score is medium for a Forklift Operator.
What work history do people usually have before becoming a Forklift Operator?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
A Forklift Operator probably worked as Machine Operator, Material Handler or Customer Service Representative before
What typical professions people working as a Forklift Operator switch to?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Changing from a Forklift Operator to Machine Operator, Material Handler or CDL Truck Driver is a typical career path.
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Disclaimer

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