The Average Salary of a Forklift Driver in the United States
Many people know that forklift drivers play an important role in the logistics industry. They are responsible for moving heavy goods in warehouses and loading and unloading trucks and ships. However, one question that people often ask is: how much does a forklift driver make?
The Basic Salary of a Forklift Driver
According to the data from Glassdoor, a website that provides salary insights, the national average salary for a forklift driver in the United States is about $31,000 a year. This means that a forklift driver can expect to earn around $15 an hour if they work full-time.
However, the salary of a forklift driver can vary based on several factors, including their experience, location, and industry type.
The Impact of Experience
As with any job, the amount of experience a forklift driver has can affect their salary. A driver with little or no experience may be paid around $10-13 an hour, whereas a forklift driver with more than ten years of experience can make upwards of $20 an hour.
Location Matters
The location of a forklift driver's job can also influence their salary. Forklift drivers working in major cities, where the cost of living is higher, can often expect to be paid more than those working in smaller towns or rural areas where the cost of living is lower.
For example, the average salary for a forklift driver in New York City is about $40,000 a year, while the average salary for a forklift driver in a smaller city in the Midwest may be closer to $28,000 a year.
Industry Matters Too
The type of industry a forklift driver works in can also impact their salary. Forklift drivers working in manufacturing, warehouses, and transportation and logistics tend to make more than those working in retail or construction.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forklift drivers working in warehousing and storage make an average of $16.96 an hour, while those in transportation and logistics make around $17.26 an hour.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the average salary of a forklift driver in the United States is about $31,000 a year. However, several factors can influence their salary, including their experience, location, and industry type. Forklift drivers with more experience, working in major cities, and in the warehousing and storage or transportation and logistics industries tend to earn more than those with less experience or in other industries.
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