Forklift Operator Salary in Buffalo, NY
Updated
The median forklift operator in the Buffalo area earns $47,630 a year ($22.90 an hour), 3% above the U.S. median ($46,420) and 3% below the New York State median ($49,030). Half of the 1,310 forklift operators there earn between $43,020 and $60,620.
| Annual pay | Buffalo area | New York State | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,520 | $38,330 | $36,840 |
| 25th percentile | $43,020 | $44,000 | $40,030 |
| Median | $47,630 | $49,030 | $46,420 |
| 75th percentile | $60,620 | $59,700 | $54,770 |
| 90th percentile | $78,530 | $73,630 | $62,520 |
| Average | $53,050 | $52,860 | $48,370 |
| Jobs | 1,310 | 18,420 | 774,420 |
Buffalo, NY ranks 20th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for forklift operator pay. Highest: San Francisco, CA ($59,240).
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Check my payForklift operator pay in other cities
- New York, NY: $46,930
- San Francisco, CA: $59,240
- Seattle, WA: $55,600
- San Jose, CA: $54,440
- Denver, CO: $52,190
- Portland, OR: $52,120
- Jacksonville, FL: $50,670
- Tampa, FL: $49,850
- All cities
Similar jobs in Buffalo, NY
- Material Mover: $43,130
- Stocker: $37,970
- Truck Driver: $59,440
- Delivery Driver: $42,640
- School Bus Driver: $51,500
- All jobs in Buffalo, NY
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.