* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California)     OR      JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide)

More Occupational Guides

Forklift Operators

THE JOB

FORKLIFT OPERATORS, are also called industrial truck operators and work in 
industries where lots of heavy objects are handled. They drive industrial 
trucks, often called forklifts, which have forks and hydraulic lifting 
machinery.  They may work both indoors and outdoors, moving materials in 
factories, warehouses, supply yards, wholesale businesses, and loading 
areas.  The work includes loading and unloading freight cars, trucks, 
aircraft, and ships.  Operators may keep records of material moved and do 
some hand loading and unloading.

Most material moved or stacked is on pallets or small platforms, but some 
material is placed directly on the forks of the truck.  Attachments other 
than the usual prongs or forks include special tools for handling barrels, 
drums, cartons, logs, rolls of paper and wire, bales of cotton, rolls of 
carpet, bricks and concrete blocks.  Cranes, shovels and snowplows can also 
be attached to some of these vehicles.  Forklifts come in different sizes 
and are very maneuverable.  They are powered by gasoline, natural gas, or 
batteries.  Forklifts that are used mainly indoors are usually powered by 
batteries or natural gas to keep pollution low.

Operators may refuel or recharge the vehicle, check the oil and battery, 
lube it and make minor repairs and adjustments.  Operators may also work as 
stock clerks, shipping clerks, receiving clerks, or warehouse workers when 
not driving a forklift.  Supervision is light and usually amounts to general 
instructions as to where materials are to be moved.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Forklift Operators should be in good condition.  They must be able to judge 
the height of ceilings and doorways, maneuver between stacks of material and 
pass through narrow doorways safely.  Operators may work on jobs that 
involve all kinds of weather.  Noise, heavy warehouse traffic and moving 
equipment are things to deal with.

Many Forklift Operators (including cannery workers) belong to the Teamsters, 
Longshoremen's and Warehousemen's Union; The American Federation of 
Governmental Employees (AFL-CIO); or the Cabinetmakers, Millmen and 
Industrial Carpenters Union.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

Forklift Operators are a part of the bigger occupational group of Industrial 
Truck and Tractor Operators.

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in California will 
reach 45,940 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 11,400 over the number there 
was in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 10,380 job openings due to people retiring 
or leaving the occupation.  Added to the 11,400 new jobs expected, this 
makes for an estimated total of 21,780 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Forklift Operators are the biggest occupation in this group.  The increase 
of computer systems, automated material handling in factories, and the lack 
of job growth in manufacturing are expected to keep growth low for this 
job.  Also, the biggest number of Forklift Operators are found in 
manufacturing where not much job growth is expected.  Both construction and 
manufacturing are affected by the economy, and the number of jobs for 
Forklift Operators can go back and forth each year.  In spite of all that, 
some openings will keep on happening as experienced workers change jobs or 
else leave the work force.  Employment for Forklift Operators is best during 
the late spring and summer months.  Opportunities during this period depend, 
in large part, on the level of activity in lumber, agricultural production 
and food processing.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Although there are no formal educational requirements for Forklift 
Operators, most employers prefer applicants with a high school education or 
GED.  Applicants must be able to read labels and instructions and write 
legibly.  Height and weight are not important, but operators must be mobile 
enough to turn in the driver's seat and drive backwards with no problem.  
They must be able to lift materials of medium weight and size.  Some 
operators who work on military bases may be required to get military 
driver's licenses.  Some employers require applicants to pass a physical 
exam.  

The usual way to learn the job is by working where forklift trucks are 
used and taking every chance to watch and learn.  Inexperienced operators 
are often given on-the-job training during the first month or until they can 
handle simple forklift operations.  Skill comes from experience on the 
job.  Trainees usually are allowed about ninety days to reach an adequate 
skill level.  Some employers have formal training programs and give 
certificates to employees who complete it.  These programs are made to teach 
employees how to operate forklifts, handle materials and make simple 
repairs.  They also cover plant layout and operation and safe driving rules.


WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Beginning wages for Forklift Operators range from minimum wage to $23.00 per 
hour.  Experienced workers can earn the minimum to $25.00 per hour.  Union 
pay starts at about $5.50 to $22.80 per hour.  Journey-level wages for 
operators go from $5.50 to $28.00 per hour. 

Fringe benefits usually are paid vacation, sick leave and medical and dental 
insurance.  Many employers pay vision and life insurance.

Forklift Operators normally work 40 hours per week.  Some overtime may be 
necessary during busy times, and some companies put on two or more shifts, 
seven days a week.


ADVANCEMENT

There are very few chances for promotion.  Some operators become 
supervisors.  Most promotions are in-grade.


FINDING THE JOB

Forklift Operators usually get jobs by applying to employers, but most 
employers, both union and nonunion, consider the job of Forklift Operator 
promotional and fill openings from within.  Unions in the construction and 
warehousing industries, the Federal Civil Service Commission, the California 
Employment Development Department Job Service and some private employment 
agencies have job information.


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Shipping and Receiving Clerks              No.  63
Stock Clerks                               No.  74


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev . 1)
Industrial Truck Operator              921.683-050

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators      979470


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.