Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators
Also known as Forklift Operators
Description OES Code: 97947
Operate gasoline or electric-powered industrial trucks or tractors equipped with fork lift, elevated platform, or trailer hitch to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location. Exclude Logging Tractor Operators.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.38
25th Percentile $9.04
50th Percentile $12.12
75th Percentile $16.74

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.21
25th Percentile $10.20
50th Percentile $12.89
75th Percentile $16.02

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
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.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 40,400
Projected Employment 2008 49,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 21.5%
Separations 1998-2008 5,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,170
Projected Employment 2006 2,480
Percent Change 1999-2006 14.3%
Separations 1999-2006 190

Employment Trends by California County

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.

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

Getting the Job & Other Information
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 and some private employment agencies have job information.

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.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education 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.

Skills & Other Requirements
Forklift Operators should be in good physical 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.

Operators 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.

References

California Occupational Guide: Forklift Operators #190
Related Occupation: Shipping & Receiving Clerks #63, Stock Clerks #74

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)