Updated 2026-07-04 · BLS OEWS May 2025

Forklift Operator jobs in Kansas City, MO

6,290 forklift operators employed in metro (BLS May 2025) · $22.76/hour ($47,350/year) median · roughly in line with the national median.

  • Direct ATS apply — no login walls.
  • Pay-by-metro, not a national average.
  • Pay data sourced from BLS OEWS May 2025.

The median forklift operator salary in Kansas City, MO is $22.76/hour ($47,350/year), with a typical range of $43,520 to $55,820 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. Data from BLS + Jobeezy ghost-filter (2026).

Pay stats
MetricValueSource
Median salary$22.76/hour ($47,350/year)BLS
### Salary facts Median and range. - Use for negotiation.

Forklift Operator pay in Kansas City, MO

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

25th pct MEDIAN 75th pct $43,520 $47,350 $55,820
25th$43,520 Median$47,350 75th$55,820 vs USroughly in line with the national median

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Kansas City, MO-KS metro area (SOC 53-7051, Forklift Operator). Full Forklift Operator salary guide →

What is a Forklift Operator salary in Kansas City?

The median forklift operator salary in Kansas City, MO is $22.76/hour ($47,350/year), with a typical range of $43,520 to $55,820 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. BLS reports approximately 6,290 forklift operators employed in the Kansas City metro area.

Forklift Operator pay bands in Kansas City 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.

Lead Forklift Operator

Typical lead band in Kansas City
Example (illustrative)
Location
Kansas City, MO
Typical pay range
$44,509–$58,903
Common on
Workday

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 Kansas City
Example (illustrative)
Location
Kansas City, MO
Typical pay range
$39,537–$52,937
Common on
Greenhouse

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

Mid Level Forklift Operator

Typical mid level band in Kansas City
Example (illustrative)
Location
Kansas City, MO
Typical pay range
$40,247–$53,789
Common on
Greenhouse

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

Lead Forklift Operator

Typical lead band in Kansas City
Example (illustrative)
Location
Kansas City, MO
Typical pay range
$42,378–$58,903
Common on
Workday

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

Lead Forklift Operator

Typical lead band in Kansas City
Example (illustrative)
Location
Kansas City, MO
Typical pay range
$41,667–$57,198
Common on
iCIMS

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

Forklift Operator Career Ladder — Kansas City Metro

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

  1. Entry Forklift Operator0–2 yrs$34,092
  2. Mid Forklift Operator2–5 yrs$44,982
  3. Senior Forklift Operator5–8 yrs$56,820
  4. Staff Forklift Operator8–12 yrs$68,657
  5. Lead Forklift Operator12+ yrs$80,495

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

Employers in the Forklift Operator hiring market in Kansas City

  • 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 Kansas City post Forklift Operator jobs

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

Forklift Operator in Kansas City, MO — Common Questions

How much does a Forklift Operator earn in Kansas City, MO?
Median $22.76/hour ($47,350/year). 25th–75th percentile runs $43,520–$55,820. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
How many Forklift Operator jobs are there in Kansas City?
BLS OEWS May 2025 reports approximately 6,290 Forklift Operator roles employed in the Kansas City metro. Openings turn over regularly — Jobeezy watches Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Ashby, and iCIMS for new postings here.
Which ATS platforms do Kansas City 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 Kansas City and submits on your behalf — no resume uploads, no repeat forms.
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