Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators

Also Called: Fork Truck Driver, Forklift Driver, Forklift Operator, Truck Driver

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$35,260

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators do

Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.

  • Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
  • Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.
  • Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
Industry Areas:

Automotive & Machine Repair • Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Heavy Equipment Mechanic • Heavy Equipment Operations • Heavy Truck Driving • Material Distribution Operations • OCT-Only Automotive & Machine Repair • OCT-Only Transportation • Roustabout • Stationary Engineering

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Time Pressure
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Exposed to Contaminants

Tools

  • Forklifts
  • Forklift or elevator accessories or supplies
  • Cargo handling equipment
  • Lifts
  • Cargo trucks

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Inventory management software
Argos Software ABECAS Insight WMS
RedPrairie DLx Warehouse
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
SSA Global Supply Chain Management
Symphony GOLD

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Coordination
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Time Management

Knowledge

Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products

Education

  • 84% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 9% Less than high school diploma
  • 5% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Electrical & Electronics Installers & Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Radio, Cellular, & Tower Equipment Installers & Repairers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Industrial Production Managers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Earle C. Clements - Job Corps

    Morganfield, Kentucky

  • Loring - Job Corps

    Limeston, Maine

ACT & College

  • CET-Rancho Temecula

    Temecula, CA

  • CET-Salinas

    Salinas, CA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators across the country typically make.

$16.95 / hour
$35,260 /year

Entry Level

$21.38 / hour
$44,470 /year

Median Level

$28.78 / hour
$59,860 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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