Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Industrial truck and tractor operators move materials using specialized vehicles in warehouses, factories, construction sites, and storage yards. They operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and similar equipment to load, unload, and transport goods. The work is hands-on and requires attention to safety and precise vehicle handling.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against industrial truck and tractor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves moving pallets, crates, and materials between locations using forklifts or other industrial trucks. Operators inspect equipment before use, navigate tight warehouse aisles, stack materials at designated heights, and keep records of moved items. Work includes coordinating with other staff, following safety protocols, and maintaining equipment to prevent delays and accidents.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this role if you prefer hands-on, practical work over office tasks and follow rules and procedures carefully. People who are detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable with repetitive mechanical tasks tend to succeed as industrial truck operators.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- TRACTOR OPERATOR A06 · U.S. Marine Corps · Beaufort, South Carolina · $21.69–$21.69
- Tractor Operator (Field & Landscape Maintenance) · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Virginia Beach, Virginia · $21.03–$21.03
- TRACTOR OPERATOR (GARDNER) · Air Education and Training Command · Luke AFB, Arizona · $22.95–$22.95
- MWR Tractor Operator (Groundskeeper) · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Coronado, California · $22.21–$24.06
- Golf Tractor Operator Leader · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Norfolk, Virginia · $25.05–$25.05
- Tractor Operator · Indian Health Service · Chinle, Arizona · $24.98–$29.13
- Maintenance Mechanic (Motor Vehicle Operator/ Tractor Operator) · United States Army Installation Management Command · Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri · $25.69–$29.97
- Gardener (Tractor Operator) · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, Arkansas · $26.7–$31.16
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $70,710 | $83,720 | $83,720 | — |
| New Mexico | $39,840 | $62,150 | $62,150 | 2,620 |
| Delaware | $44,030 | $60,350 | $60,350 | 5,230 |
| Wyoming | $46,020 | $59,820 | $64,590 | 790 |
| New Hampshire | $46,050 | $54,460 | $61,660 | 1,450 |
| Alaska | $40,800 | $54,190 | $65,880 | 410 |
| Hawaii | $44,430 | $53,640 | $66,350 | 880 |
| Oregon | $47,040 | $50,760 | $58,920 | 8,560 |
| Colorado | $45,970 | $50,570 | $60,530 | 8,570 |
| Washington | $46,460 | $49,910 | $56,760 | 18,750 |
| Minnesota | $44,550 | $49,740 | $59,690 | 7,110 |
| North Dakota | $45,040 | $49,260 | $56,310 | 930 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Train-The-Trainer Forklift Operator — Crane Institute of America
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Backhoe — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Forklift — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against industrial truck and tractor operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-7051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.