Working as a forklift operator sounds simple on the surface. You move pallets, stack inventory, and move around a warehouse. However, the reality is more involved. Forklift operators need to master logistics, safety, precision, and efficiency to keep operations running smoothly.
If you’re thinking about getting a job as a forklift operator, you need to understand the risks and requirements you’ll be facing.
Demand is high, but so is competition
The demand for skilled forklift operators is increasing, especially since companies like Amazon continue to open more fulfillment centers. People expect rapid shipping and that requires goods to move faster. However, high demand doesn’t mean this job is easy to get. There’s fierce competition out there and employers usually prioritize experienced, certified candidates who aren’t just starting out.
While you can get your forklift certification online, you also need hands-on training and experience. If you don’t have that, you might need to take a lower-paying job to gain some experience before applying for a job that comes with heavy expectations.Â
Forklift operator jobs exist but showing up without certification and experience can hurt your chances of getting noticed. Many companies use AI to filter out applications and resumes that don’t meet certain requirements, and if you don’t have enough experience, you might never get noticed.
The pay is decent
Forklift operator wages vary based on the job specifics and experience level, but generally speaking, the pay is decent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for forklift operators is about $46,620 or $22.41 per hour. That’s more than minimum wage in most areas, and while it’s not enough to live in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco, it can be a decent salary in lower-cost areas or if you live in a two-income household.
The work is physically demanding
Forklift operators sit most of the day, but that doesn’t mean the work isn’t grueling. There is intense physical strain involved in operating a forklift and it’s not easy. As an operator, you’ll constantly need to twist your neck and body around to check your loads and surroundings. Over time, this can cause musculoskeletal problems like lower back and shoulder pain.
Being seated for extended periods of time in a vibrating machine can cause serious fatigue and circulation problems. In fact, prolonged exposure to vibration can cause chronic health problems like localized nerve damage that cause tingling, numbness, loss of light touch, finger blanching triggered by cold temperatures, and sometimes even gangrene. Workers exposed to constant whole-body vibration on the job tend to experience lower back pain, herniated lumbar discs, and degenerative spinal conditions.
In addition to sitting in a vibrating machine most of the day, you’ll also need to manually load, unload, and organize inventory throughout the day. By the end of your shift, you’ll be exhausted and maybe even sore.
Safety isn’t optional
If you’re used to brushing off safety in the workplace, you can’t do that as a forklift operator. Driving a forklift is one of the most dangerous jobs in a warehouse. You don’t have any room for error because the consequences, even for a simple mistake, can be fatal. Forklift accidents cause around 85 fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries every year in the U.S. and that includes tip-overs, collisions, and falling loads. Most accidents are caused by improper or non-existent training, speeding, and a disregard for safety protocols when loading.
While some jobs can be figured out as you go, that’s not how forklifts work. You’ll need to put safety first, complete proper training, and follow proper procedure at all times. One bad decision can cause a catastrophe.
The work environment can be rough
You can expect to work in extreme temperatures if you’re operating a forklift in a warehouse. Unlike offices, warehouses aren’t usually climate-controlled unless the stored goods require a specific temperature range. You could be working in freezing cold or intense heat, depending on the season and your location.
There are plenty of distractions and noises in a warehouse that you’ll need to get used to. If you’re sensitive to sounds, it may not be the right job for you. You’ll be hearing machinery and alarms constantly, and it’s loud even with hearing protection. This type of environment can drain you fast over long shifts.
Know what you’re getting into
Stability and decent pay are attractive, but don’t lose sight of the demands. Driving a forklift requires working in a chaotic, dangerous environment that can cause long-term harm to your body. However, if you don’t mind physical labor and are aware of what the job requires, working as a forklift operator can be a solid career move.