There are currently an estimated 792,500 forklift operators in the United States. The forklift operator job market is expected to grow by 1.1% between 2024 and 2034.
How employable are forklift operators?
CareerExplorer rates forklift operators with a B- employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 9,100 forklift operators.
What’s the supply of forklift operators?
The forklift operator industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Georgia
Forklift Operator job market by state
| State Name | Employed Forklift Operators |
|---|---|
| California | 89,620 |
| Texas | 88,780 |
| Georgia | 50,260 |
| Ohio | 42,360 |
| Pennsylvania | 42,110 |
| Florida | 38,400 |
| Illinois | 29,450 |
| North Carolina | 26,830 |
| Michigan | 23,470 |
| Indiana | 23,090 |
| New Jersey | 21,790 |
| Tennessee | 20,070 |
| Virginia | 19,320 |
| Washington | 18,750 |
| New York | 18,420 |
| Alabama | 15,360 |
| South Carolina | 14,210 |
| Maryland | 13,740 |
| Arizona | 12,340 |
| Wisconsin | 12,150 |
| Missouri | 11,470 |
| Kentucky | 11,270 |
| Arkansas | 10,850 |
| Mississippi | 9,640 |
| Colorado | 8,570 |
| Oregon | 8,560 |
| Massachusetts | 8,390 |
| Oklahoma | 7,850 |
| Iowa | 7,770 |
| Kansas | 7,700 |
| Louisiana | 7,680 |
| Nevada | 7,300 |
| Minnesota | 7,110 |
| Utah | 6,830 |
| Delaware | 5,230 |
| Nebraska | 5,020 |
| Connecticut | 3,780 |
| Maine | 2,900 |
| New Mexico | 2,620 |
| Idaho | 2,560 |
| South Dakota | 1,940 |
| New Hampshire | 1,450 |
| West Virginia | 1,400 |
| Vermont | 950 |
| North Dakota | 930 |
| Montana | 910 |
| Hawaii | 880 |
| Wyoming | 790 |
| Rhode Island | 780 |
| Alaska | 410 |