Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
SOC: 53-7051.00
Common Job Titles
Fork Truck Driver
Forklift Driver
Forklift Operator
Spotter Driver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate industrial trucks, forklifts, and material handling equipment in warehouse, construction, and storage yard environments to transport materials safely and efficiently.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform pre-operation inspections of equipment, structures, and materials following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines to ensure operational readiness.
Proficient
Hands-onManipulate loads using specialized attachments such as forks, clamps, and scoops while coordinating hand-eye movements to handle and position materials weighing up to several tons.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate load stability, weight distribution, and clearance requirements to determine compliance with safety standards and prevent material damage or workplace accidents.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to prioritize and schedule material movement tasks under time constraints to meet operational deadlines and workflow requirements.
Developing
KnowledgeIdentify equipment malfunctions and operational irregularities through continuous monitoring of mechanized devices and surrounding conditions.
Developing
Hands-onExecute basic equipment maintenance procedures including fluid checks, lubrication, and component adjustments according to preventive maintenance schedules and operational manuals.
Developing
MindsetEngage with supervisors, coworkers, and logistics personnel through clear verbal and written communication to coordinate work activities and maintain safe operational flow in busy industrial environments.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret work orders, inventory management system data, and warehouse documentation using computerized systems and personal computers to retrieve and record material movement information.
Developing
MindsetRespect public safety and security protocols including traffic patterns, pedestrian zones, and hazardous material handling procedures while operating in shared spaces with other workers and maintaining situational awareness.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
805,770
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,780. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,390. 75th percentile: U.S. $53,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $61,540. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$36,500
10% of workers earn the following or more
$61,540
Workers on average earn
$47,830
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mathematics3.0/5
English Language2.8/5
Production and Processing2.8/5
Transportation2.8/5
Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
