Forklift Operator Salary in Columbus, OH
Updated
The median forklift operator in the Columbus area earns $46,780 a year ($22.49 an hour), 1% above the U.S. median ($46,420) and 1% above the Ohio median ($46,450). Half of the 11,910 forklift operators there earn between $45,010 and $61,540.
| Annual pay | Columbus area | Ohio | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,010 | $37,960 | $36,840 |
| 25th percentile | $45,010 | $42,530 | $40,030 |
| Median | $46,780 | $46,450 | $46,420 |
| 75th percentile | $61,540 | $58,840 | $54,770 |
| 90th percentile | $66,900 | $63,660 | $62,520 |
| Average | $51,070 | $49,800 | $48,370 |
| Jobs | 11,910 | 42,360 | 774,420 |
Columbus, OH ranks 28th of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for forklift operator pay. Highest: San Francisco, CA ($59,240).
Paid less than $46,780? That gap, with its source, is the strongest line in a raise request. Check your pay for your level in 30 seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Check my payForklift operator pay in other cities
- Cincinnati, OH: $49,000
- Cleveland, OH: $46,090
- 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
- All cities
Similar jobs in Columbus, OH
- Material Mover: $41,200
- Stocker: $39,040
- Truck Driver: $61,720
- Delivery Driver: $43,800
- School Bus Driver: $47,380
- All jobs in Columbus, OH
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.