Updated 2026-07-04 · BLS OEWS May 2025

Forklift Operator jobs in Durham, NC

710 forklift operators employed in metro (BLS May 2025) · $21.20/hour ($44,090/year) median · 5% below the national median.

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Pay-by-metro, not a national average.
Pay data sourced from BLS OEWS May 2025.

The median forklift operator salary in Durham, NC is $21.20/hour ($44,090/year), with a typical range of $38,840 to $48,590 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. Data from BLS + Jobeezy ghost-filter (2026).

Pay stats
Metric	Value	Source
Median salary	$21.20/hour ($44,090/year)	BLS

### Salary facts Median and range. - Use for negotiation.

Forklift Operator pay in Durham, NC

The band below shows the 25th–75th percentile range for this occupation in the Durham metro. Half of Forklift Operators earn inside that band.

25th$38,840 Median$44,090 75th$48,590 vs US5% below the national median

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area (SOC 53-7051, Forklift Operator). Full Forklift Operator salary guide →

What is a Forklift Operator salary in Durham?

The median forklift operator salary in Durham, NC is $21.20/hour ($44,090/year), with a typical range of $38,840 to $48,590 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. BLS reports approximately 710 forklift operators employed in the Durham metro area.

Forklift Operator pay bands in Durham by seniority

The cards below are illustrative pay-band examples — not live postings. Each shows the typical salary range you can expect at that seniority level, derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro. When Jobeezy matches you to a real opening, we auto-apply on your behalf.

Mid Level Forklift Operator

Typical mid level band in Durham

Example (illustrative)

Location: Durham, NC
Typical pay range: $40,121–$55,641
Common on: Greenhouse

Illustrative pay-band example. Not a live posting — figures derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro.

Entry Level Forklift Operator

Typical entry level band in Durham

Example (illustrative)

Location: Durham, NC
Typical pay range: $40,783–$50,086
Common on: Greenhouse

Illustrative pay-band example. Not a live posting — figures derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro.

Staff Forklift Operator

Typical staff band in Durham

Example (illustrative)

Location: Durham, NC
Typical pay range: $37,476–$54,054
Common on: iCIMS

Illustrative pay-band example. Not a live posting — figures derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro.

Senior Forklift Operator

Typical senior band in Durham

Example (illustrative)

Location: Durham, NC
Typical pay range: $39,460–$49,292
Common on: Greenhouse

Illustrative pay-band example. Not a live posting — figures derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro.

Entry Level Forklift Operator

Typical entry level band in Durham

Example (illustrative)

Location: Durham, NC
Typical pay range: $40,783–$54,054
Common on: Lever

Illustrative pay-band example. Not a live posting — figures derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 medians for this metro.

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Forklift Operator Career Ladder — Durham Metro

Expected pay at each step, scaled to Durham’s median. Your actual offer depends on employer, sub-specialty, and interview performance.

Entry Forklift Operator0–2 yrs$31,744
Mid Forklift Operator2–5 yrs$41,885
Senior Forklift Operator5–8 yrs$52,908
Staff Forklift Operator8–12 yrs$63,930
Lead Forklift Operator12+ yrs$74,953

Multipliers calibrated against BLS OEWS May 2025 occupational percentiles (SOC 53-7051, Forklift Operator).

Employers in the Forklift Operator hiring market in Durham

Walmart
Costco
Amazon
Target
Home Depot

Representative large employers for this occupation industry. Jobeezy auto-applies when any qualifying opening posts at these or other employers on Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Ashby, or iCIMS.

How employers in Durham post Forklift Operator jobs

Employers in the Durham metro typically post Forklift Operator roles through one of five applicant tracking systems. Pick the guide that matches where you’re applying:

Greenhouse apply guide · Lever apply guide · Workday apply guide · Ashby apply guide · iCIMS apply guide

Forklift Operator in Durham, NC — Common Questions

How much does a Forklift Operator earn in Durham, NC?: Median $21.20/hour ($44,090/year). 25th–75th percentile runs $38,840–$48,590. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
How many Forklift Operator jobs are there in Durham?: BLS OEWS May 2025 reports approximately 710 Forklift Operator roles employed in the Durham metro. Openings turn over regularly — Jobeezy watches Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Ashby, and iCIMS for new postings here.
Which ATS platforms do Durham employers use for Forklift Operator?: Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Ashby, and iCIMS account for the vast majority. Jobeezy reads all five directly so you can apply in one tap.
Does Jobeezy apply to Forklift Operator jobs for me?: Yes. Jobeezy matches your profile to Forklift Operator openings in Durham and submits on your behalf — no resume uploads, no repeat forms.

Keep exploring

Forklift Operator openings hiring now in Durham, NC

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See all open roles hiring now →

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