Forklift Operator: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$46,420

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

774,420

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Data Government data groups this job as Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (O*NET-SOC 53-7051.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
2. Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
3. Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
4. Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
5. Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

57.2%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Medium

64.9% of workers

Can pause work

47.3%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

less than 0.5%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

72.6%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Warehousing and storage35.6% of all jobs in this occupation · -0.3% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $50,390
2. Administrative and support services8.9% of all jobs in this occupation · -1.6% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $39,900
3. Merchant wholesalers, durable goods6.2% of all jobs in this occupation · +4.1% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $47,720
4. Food manufacturing5.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +5.5% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $46,110
5. Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods5.7% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.8% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $47,340
6. Air transportation3.2% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.9% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $56,170

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Mathematics.

• Warehouse management system WMSMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain softwareIn demand
• Autodesk AutoCADComputer aided design CAD softwareHot technology
• ATMS StockTrack PLUSInventory management software
• Argos Software ABECAS Insight WMSInventory management software
• BarControl Enterprise Manager iBEMInventory management software
• IntelliTrack Warehouse Management System (WMS)Inventory management software
• Inventory management systemsInventory management software
• Lilly Software Associates VISUAL DCMSInventory management software
• Motek PriyaInventory management software
• RedPrairie DLx WarehouseInventory management software
• SSA Global Supply Chain ManagementMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
• Symphony GOLDMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

Also called: Checker Loader, Fork Lift Technician, Fork Truck Driver, Forklift Driver, Lift Truck Operator.