If you're looking for ways to make extra money, picking up warehouse shifts on Instawork is a great option. And if you've gotten certified to drive a forklift, you might earn even more for those specialized skills. But how much do forklift drivers make, exactly? Read on for a look at the income potential for forklift drivers in the US, real-world pay examples people reported on Reddit, and an overview of the skills and qualifications you'll need to get the job.
Factors that affect how much a forklift driver makes across the U.S.
There are four main factors that affect how much forklift drivers make:
- Experience level. Entry-level drivers typically start on the lower end of the pay range and move up with time and clean safety records.
- The industry. You can find forklift jobs in logistics, retail, manufacturing, distribution, and more. Pay varies by sector; industries with tight deadlines or heavier loads often pay more.
- The size of the business. Larger companies and unionized shops often pay more than smaller businesses and non-union shops.
- Your location and local demand. Big metros and competitive markets tend to pay better, but they may also have higher costs of living. If there’s a shortage of operators in your area, employers may raise wages to attract workers.
How much do forklift drivers make based on experience?
Your level of experience is an important factor when determining what you should make as a forklift driver. Here are some estimates of pay based on experience, according to Payscale:
- Little to no experience. The national average for most full-time forklift operators with little to no experience is close to $26,000 per year, or about $12.50 per hour assuming a 40-hour week.
- Some experience (2–4 years). The national average is about $29,000 per year, or roughly $14 per hour.
- Lots of experience. Experienced forklift drivers often make $32,000 or more per year, which comes out to about $15.50 per hour.
And don't forget—shifts on Instawork often pay above the industry average, so you could earn more than those estimates.
Real-world pay snapshots from Reddit
Self-reported hourly wages can paint a more current, on-the-ground picture. In one Reddit thread, forklift operators across North America shared what they make. Highlights:
- Northeast U.S. (union): around $35/hour after premiums and incentives; overtime at double time in busy seasons
- Pacific Northwest: about $27.35/hour
- Southern California: about $23.25/hour
- Central Wisconsin: start around $22.50/hour; union shops around $25/hour; multi-equipment operators “mighty close to $30/hour”
- Ohio: $25.50–$30+/hour, with some union roles over $30
- Southwest Missouri: $23.31/hour
- Michigan: $22–$23.50/hour
- Georgia: $18.20/hour
- Arkansas: $19/hour
- Hawaii: about $22/hour, with a note that cost of living is high
- Ontario, Canada: $19.80–$23.40/hour depending on schedule and equipment
What these anecdotes suggest:
- Union shops, incentive programs, and overtime can push effective hourly pay well above base rates.
- Being versatile on multiple machines (e.g., sit-down, reach, order picker, skid steer) can lift pay.
- Location and cost of living matter—higher-pay areas often come with higher expenses.
Note: Reddit posts are self-reported and were shared a few years ago; current rates in your area may differ. Use them as directional examples, not guarantees.
Forklift driver job description
If you're wondering "how much do forklift drivers make?" you may also want to know what they do day to day. In short, forklift drivers use forklifts to transport goods in storage facilities and on job sites. They move boxes, pallets, packaged goods, construction materials, home goods, food, and more.
Warehouses are busy environments with stacked inventory, moving vehicles, and industrial equipment—so attention to safety is critical. Forklift drivers oversee the safe operation of their vehicles, coordinate with the team around them, and keep products moving efficiently.
Forklift driver responsibilities
Responsibilities might include:
- Receiving products from vendors
- Checking the condition of arriving supplies; flagging damage to a supervisor
- Verifying order completeness; documenting and reporting missing items
- Loading and unloading goods with forklifts and related equipment
- Keeping the warehouse organized by use frequency, weight, and fragility
- Tracking stock and daily activities
- Meeting legal guidelines and company safety policies (including PPE and lockout/tagout where applicable)
Forklift driver skills and qualifications
- Safety-first mindset and proactive communication. Warehouses can be risky if people aren’t alert and aligned.
- Equipment knowledge. Depending on the site, you may operate different types of forklifts (sit-down, stand-up reach, order picker, rough terrain) and attachments.
- Physical stamina and spatial awareness.
- Relevant experience with industrial safety or other physical jobs can help you get hired.
- Legal requirements. You’ll need OSHA-compliant forklift certification or equivalent, issued by your employer or a training school.
How much does it cost to get a forklift license?
Forklift certification typically costs $50 to $200, depending on online vs. in-person training and the provider. Some companies pay for employee training and certification. If you plan to work flexible shifts as an independent contractor, investing in certification can pay back quickly.
High-paying jobs for experienced forklift drivers
Forklift drivers can earn more by pursuing specialized paths. These roles may require extra training or credentials:
- Forklift supervisor. Manages operators and daily operations; often around 2x the average driver pay with reported salaries near $60,738 per year.
- Forklift repair technician/mechanic. Performs inspections, maintenance, and repairs; reported ranges from about $33,949 up to $64,000+ per year.
- Forklift engineer. Oversees complex maintenance, directs technicians, and handles technical issues; reported earnings upwards of $64,000, with top earners over $100,000.
Annual vs. hourly pay
Average pay rates change with location and market conditions. In some cities, self-reported hourly rates can outpace posted annual salaries once overtime, premiums, and incentives are included. For example:
- Chicago: salaried forklift operators average around $44,691; ZipRecruiter cites roughly $29.22/hour
- Los Angeles: statewide average salaries around $35,571; LA full-time roles around $28,022; hourly averages near $25.82
- Dallas: average salary around $28,056; hourly averages around $25.56
- Atlanta: full-time salaries around $25,444; hourly averages around $27.97
- New Jersey: full-time salaries around $24,085; hourly averages around $25.88
Different sources use different methodologies, so treat these as ballpark figures and compare them with current local listings and shift rates.
Ways to boost your forklift pay
- Get certified on multiple machines and attachments. As noted by a Wisconsin operator, versatility can push pay toward $30/hour in competitive markets.
- Seek union shops where available. Some Redditors noted $30–$35/hour with premiums, incentives, and double-time overtime.
- Target high-demand niches. Cold storage, cross-dock, ports, construction supply, and overnight shifts often pay more.
- Leverage overtime and incentives. Peak seasons can significantly raise take-home pay.
- Keep a clean safety record. Fewer incidents and solid productivity often translate into raises.
What is the highest paying forklift job?
It depends on whether you mean “forklift-related career” or “operator role.”
- Highest paying forklift-related careers often include leadership and technical paths: forklift supervisors, maintenance technicians, and forklift engineers. Reported earnings range from roughly $60,000 to well over $100,000 for top technical experts.
- Highest paying operator roles tend to be in union shops, specialized environments (ports, cold storage, aviation cargo, heavy materials), or on nights/weekends with premiums. Reddit anecdotes pointed to union operators earning around $35/hour after incentives, with double-time overtime during busy seasons. Multi-equipment operators who can fill gaps also command more.
Is forklift a good career?
For many people, yes—especially if you value steady work, tangible skills, and clear paths to higher pay. Pros:
- Solid hourly pay that can rise quickly with experience, versatility, and certifications
- Plenty of openings across industries and locations
- Overtime, premiums, and incentives can significantly boost income
- Clear advancement paths into lead, supervisor, trainer, or maintenance roles
- Flexible, higher-than-average pay shifts on Instawork
Considerations:
- Physical work with safety risks; strict adherence to safety is essential
- Shift work, nights, or cold storage can be tough but often pay more
- Certification and ongoing refreshers are required
- Pay varies by market; high-cost cities may offset higher wages with higher expenses
Find forklift driver shifts on Instawork
Thanks to their specialized training, the average hourly pay for forklift drivers is solid and often grows with experience. And remember, shifts on Instawork tend to pay above the industry average. Best of all, you can work on a flexible schedule, picking up as many or as few shifts as you want to meet your income goals.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up to find shifts in your area and start earning today!
