Forklift Operator Salary in Detroit, MI
Updated
The median forklift operator in the Detroit area earns $46,550 a year ($22.38 an hour), about the same as the U.S. median ($46,420) and 3% above the Michigan median ($45,220). Half of the 10,370 forklift operators there earn between $39,830 and $58,360.
| Annual pay | Detroit area | Michigan | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,220 | $37,200 | $36,840 |
| 25th percentile | $39,830 | $39,320 | $40,030 |
| Median | $46,550 | $45,220 | $46,420 |
| 75th percentile | $58,360 | $54,110 | $54,770 |
| 90th percentile | $75,930 | $71,150 | $62,520 |
| Average | $50,460 | $48,860 | $48,370 |
| Jobs | 10,370 | 23,470 | 774,420 |
Detroit, MI ranks 30th 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
- Grand Rapids, MI: $41,300
- 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 Detroit, MI
- Material Mover: $40,330
- Stocker: $36,720
- Truck Driver: $59,120
- Delivery Driver: $44,200
- School Bus Driver: $48,060
- All jobs in Detroit, MI
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.