Forklift Operator Salary in San Jose, CA
Updated
The median forklift operator in the San Jose area earns $54,440 a year ($26.17 an hour), 17% above the U.S. median ($46,420) and 14% above the California median ($47,770). Half of the 2,130 forklift operators there earn between $46,960 and $61,680.
| Annual pay | San Jose area | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,040 | $38,650 | $36,840 |
| 25th percentile | $46,960 | $43,210 | $40,030 |
| Median | $54,440 | $47,770 | $46,420 |
| 75th percentile | $61,680 | $58,360 | $54,770 |
| 90th percentile | $73,860 | $63,330 | $62,520 |
| Average | $56,050 | $50,360 | $48,370 |
| Jobs | 2,130 | 89,620 | 774,420 |
San Jose, CA ranks 3rd of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for forklift operator pay. Highest: San Francisco, CA ($59,240).
Paid less than $54,440? 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
- San Francisco, CA: $59,240
- Riverside, CA: $47,850
- Sacramento, CA: $47,570
- Seattle, WA: $55,600
- Denver, CO: $52,190
- Portland, OR: $52,120
- Jacksonville, FL: $50,670
- Tampa, FL: $49,850
- All cities
Similar jobs in San Jose, CA
- Material Mover: $47,060
- Stocker: $44,970
- Truck Driver: $70,730
- Delivery Driver: $52,100
- School Bus Driver: $75,230
- All jobs in San Jose, CA
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.