Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
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 DriverForklift DriverForklift OperatorSpotter Driver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software
Technology Skills
ATMS StockTrack PLUSArgos Software ABECAS Insight WMSBarControl Enterprise Manager iBEMIntelliTrack Warehouse Management System (WMS)Inventory management softwareInventory management systemsLilly Software Associates VISUAL DCMSMotek Priya
Tools & Equipment
Banding equipmentBelt conveyorsBoomsBridgeplatesBulk liquid trucksCantilever trucksCombination vacuum liftsContainer reach stackers