Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
Median pay: $46,420/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 76,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
• Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
• Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
• Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.
What's the median pay for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?
The median pay for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators is $46,420 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?
Employment for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators is projected to change +1.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?
About 76,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.