Updated 2026-07-04 · BLS OEWS May 2025

Forklift Operator jobs in Madison, WI

770 forklift operators employed in metro (BLS May 2025) · $22.89/hour ($47,610/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 Madison, WI is $22.89/hour ($47,610/year), with a typical range of $46,040 to $55,250 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. Data from BLS + Jobeezy ghost-filter (2026).

Pay stats
MetricValueSource
Median salary$22.89/hour ($47,610/year)BLS
### Salary facts Median and range. - Use for negotiation.

Forklift Operator pay in Madison, WI

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

25th pct MEDIAN 75th pct $46,040 $47,610 $55,250
25th$46,040 Median$47,610 75th$55,250 vs USroughly in line with the national median

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

What is a Forklift Operator salary in Madison?

The median forklift operator salary in Madison, WI is $22.89/hour ($47,610/year), with a typical range of $46,040 to $55,250 based on BLS OEWS May 2025. BLS reports approximately 770 forklift operators employed in the Madison metro area.

Forklift Operator pay bands in Madison 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 Madison
Example (illustrative)
Location
Madison, WI
Typical pay range
$44,753–$57,512
Common on
Greenhouse

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 Madison
Example (illustrative)
Location
Madison, WI
Typical pay range
$45,467–$53,227
Common on
Workday

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 Madison
Example (illustrative)
Location
Madison, WI
Typical pay range
$41,896–$59,226
Common on
Ashby

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 Madison
Example (illustrative)
Location
Madison, WI
Typical pay range
$41,182–$58,369
Common on
Lever

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 Madison
Example (illustrative)
Location
Madison, WI
Typical pay range
$39,754–$58,369
Common on
Greenhouse

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

Forklift Operator Career Ladder — Madison Metro

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

  1. Entry Forklift Operator0–2 yrs$34,279
  2. Mid Forklift Operator2–5 yrs$45,229
  3. Senior Forklift Operator5–8 yrs$57,132
  4. Staff Forklift Operator8–12 yrs$69,034
  5. Lead Forklift Operator12+ yrs$80,937

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

Employers in the Forklift Operator hiring market in Madison

  • Home Depot
  • Walmart
  • Costco
  • Amazon
  • Target

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 Madison post Forklift Operator jobs

Employers in the Madison 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 Madison, WI — Common Questions

How much does a Forklift Operator earn in Madison, WI?
Median $22.89/hour ($47,610/year). 25th–75th percentile runs $46,040–$55,250. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
How many Forklift Operator jobs are there in Madison?
BLS OEWS May 2025 reports approximately 770 Forklift Operator roles employed in the Madison metro. Openings turn over regularly — Jobeezy watches Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Ashby, and iCIMS for new postings here.
Which ATS platforms do Madison 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 Madison and submits on your behalf — no resume uploads, no repeat forms.
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