Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
Common Job Titles
- Fork Truck Driver
- Forklift Driver
- Forklift Operator
- Spotter Driver
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate industrial trucks, forklifts, and material handling equipment in warehouse, construction, and storage yard environments to transport materials safely and efficiently.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform pre-operation inspections of equipment, structures, and materials following safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines to ensure operational readiness.Proficient
- Hands-onManipulate loads using specialized attachments such as forks, clamps, and scoops while coordinating hand-eye movements to handle and position materials weighing up to several tons.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate load stability, weight distribution, and clearance requirements to determine compliance with safety standards and prevent material damage or workplace accidents.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to prioritize and schedule material movement tasks under time constraints to meet operational deadlines and workflow requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify equipment malfunctions and operational irregularities through continuous monitoring of mechanized devices and surrounding conditions.Developing
- Hands-onExecute basic equipment maintenance procedures including fluid checks, lubrication, and component adjustments according to preventive maintenance schedules and operational manuals.Developing
- MindsetEngage with supervisors, coworkers, and logistics personnel through clear verbal and written communication to coordinate work activities and maintain safe operational flow in busy industrial environments.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret work orders, inventory management system data, and warehouse documentation using computerized systems and personal computers to retrieve and record material movement information.Developing
- MindsetRespect public safety and security protocols including traffic patterns, pedestrian zones, and hazardous material handling procedures while operating in shared spaces with other workers and maintaining situational awareness.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
805,770
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,500. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,780. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,390. 75th percentile: U.S. $53,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $61,540. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $36,500 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $61,540 |
| Workers on average earn | $47,830 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mathematics3.0/5
- English Language2.8/5
- Production and Processing2.8/5
- Transportation2.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- ATMS StockTrack PLUS
- Argos Software ABECAS Insight WMS
- BarControl Enterprise Manager iBEM
- IntelliTrack Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Inventory management software
- Inventory management systems
- Lilly Software Associates VISUAL DCMS
- Motek Priya
Tools & Equipment
- Banding equipment
- Belt conveyors
- Booms
- Bridgeplates
- Bulk liquid trucks
- Cantilever trucks
- Combination vacuum lifts
- Container reach stackers