how much does a forklift driver make an hour

Have you ever wondered how much a forklift driver makes an hour? Forklift drivers are essential to warehouses, construction sites, and other industries that require heavy equipment operation. As such, they play an important role in the logistics, transportation and supply chain industries. However, the salary of a forklift driver can vary depending on several factors, such as experience, location, employer, and industry. In this article, we will explore the hourly wages of forklift drivers and the factors that determine their pay.

Factors that Affect Hourly Rates for Forklift Drivers

Hourly rates for forklift drivers vary based on several factors. Here are some of the most significant factors:

Experience

Like most jobs, the more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be. PayScale reports that entry-level forklift drivers with less than one year of experience earn about $12.50 per hour, while those with more than 20 years of experience can earn up to $21 per hour.

Location

Location plays a significant role in determining the hourly rate of a forklift driver. For instance, forklift drivers in urban areas where the cost of living is higher earn more than those in rural areas. A forklift driver in San Francisco might earn an hourly rate of $18-25, while a forklift driver in a smaller city like Waco in Texas might earn $12-15 per hour.

Industry

Forklift drivers can work in multiple industries, such as warehousing, construction, and manufacturing. Wages for forklift drivers widely vary by industry, with the highest-paying industries being local government, oil, and gas extraction, and computer and electronic product manufacturing.

Hourly Wages of Forklift Drivers by Industry

Different industries offer unique payment packages to their forklift drivers. Here’s a quick overview of hourly wages of forklift drivers by industry in the United States:

Warehousing and Storage

Forklift drivers employed in the storage and warehousing industry earn an average hourly wage of $15.21, which is slightly less than the average hourly wage of all forklift drivers in the country.

Construction

Forklift drivers in the construction sector earn an average hourly wage of $16.30, which is higher than the average hourly wage for warehouse workers.

Manufacturing

Forklift drivers in manufacturing industries earn an average hourly wage of $15.91, which is pretty close to the national average for all forklift drivers.

Local Government

Forklift drivers in local government industries have a median hourly wage of $24.76, making it the highest-paying industry for forklift drivers. This is probably because they require a higher level of skill set and experience in operating forklifts.

Conclusion

To sum up, the hourly wage of a forklift driver depends on experience, location, industry, and employer. While all sectors require forklift drivers, local government, oil and gas exploration, and electronic manufacturing seem to offer the highest pay. In contrast, warehousing and storage offer relatively lower pay than other industries. It is best to research the different industries and locations to make an informed decision on where to work as a forklift driver. Although salaries vary, it remains a job in high demand and an essential part of the logistics, transportation, and supply chain industries.