The average salary for a forklift operator in Michigan is around $45,220 per year.
Avg Salary
Forklift operators earn an average yearly salary of $45,220.
Wages typically start from $37,200 and go up to $71,150.
28% below national average Updated in 2025
Forklift operator earnings by seniority
90th percentile
Top-level forklift operator earnings begin at:
$34.21 per hour
$71,150 per year
75th percentile
Senior-level forklift operator earnings begin at:
$26.02 per hour
$54,110 per year
50th percentile
Mid-level forklift operator earnings begin at:
$21.74 per hour
$45,220 per year
25th percentile
Junior-level forklift operator earnings begin at:
$18.91 per hour
$39,320 per year
10th percentile
Starting level forklift operator earnings begin at:
$17.88 per hour
$37,200 per year
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.
Forklift operator salary by state
| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,720 |
| New Mexico | $62,150 |
| Delaware | $60,350 |
| Wyoming | $59,820 |
| New Hampshire | $54,460 |
| Alaska | $54,190 |
| Hawaii | $53,640 |
| Oregon | $50,760 |
| Colorado | $50,570 |
| Washington | $49,910 |
| Minnesota | $49,740 |
| North Dakota | $49,260 |
| Utah | $49,040 |
| New York | $49,030 |
| Louisiana | $48,950 |
| Florida | $48,370 |
| Arizona | $48,110 |
| Montana | $48,060 |
| California | $47,770 |
| Maine | $47,730 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,730 |
| Illinois | $47,720 |
| Wisconsin | $47,720 |
| Iowa | $47,590 |
| Kansas | $47,430 |
| South Dakota | $47,410 |
| Vermont | $47,380 |
| Connecticut | $47,190 |
| Virginia | $46,920 |
| Massachusetts | $46,850 |
| Nebraska | $46,730 |
| Kentucky | $46,630 |
| Idaho | $46,600 |
| Ohio | $46,450 |
| New Jersey | $46,100 |
| Indiana | $45,650 |
| Maryland | $45,630 |
| Texas | $45,450 |
| Nevada | $45,230 |
| Michigan | $45,220 |
| Missouri | $45,190 |
| Rhode Island | $45,010 |
| Alabama | $44,880 |
| Oklahoma | $44,700 |
| Arkansas | $43,780 |
| South Carolina | $43,680 |
| Mississippi | $43,420 |
| North Carolina | $43,420 |
| Georgia | $43,210 |
| Tennessee | $42,100 |
| West Virginia | $41,670 |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. | $28,820 |
| Guam | $25,860 |
| Puerto Rico | $21,920 |
How do forklift operator salaries compare to similar careers?
Forklift operators earn about the same as related careers in Michigan. On average, they make less than tile and marble setters but more than upholsterers.
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Tile and marble setter salary | $48K |
| Maintenance worker salary | $48K |
| Hazardous materials removal worker salary | $46K |
| Logging worker salary | $52K |
| Faller salary | $52K |
| Forklift operator salary | $45K |
| Derrick operator salary | $45K |
| Recreational vehicle service technician salary | $42K |
| Engraver salary | $43K |
| Upholsterer salary | $45K |
Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)