What are the main factors that influence a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary?

A 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary grows with experience: starting around $35,380 for beginners, reaching about $36,198 at mid-level, and approach $36,388 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator?

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator roles are District of Columbia $39,198, California $39,050, Massachusetts $38,529. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator roles make?

Salaries for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator level roles vary by specialization: Certified Forklift Operator: $43,715; Stand Up Forklift Operator: $42,953; Warehouse Forklift Operator: $42,803; Equipment Operator - Forklift: $42,800; Forklift Operator/Materials Handler: $42,750.

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary in Colorado

How much does a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator make in Colorado? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator in Colorado is $36,122 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $41,349
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,869 to $38,858
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,818

10% $31,818

50% (Median) $36,122

90% $41,349

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$38,858	$3,238	$747	$19
Average	$36,122	$3,010	$695	$17
25th Percentile	$33,869	$2,822	$651	$16

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Forklift Operator

TradeJobsWorkForce – Arlington, CO

Forklift Operator

PrideStaff – Aurora, CO

Forklift Operator

Americold – Brighton, CO

Forklift Operator

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Key Factors That Influence 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries

A 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $35,380
Early Career (1-2 years): $35,628
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $36,198
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $36,312
Expert (over 8 years): $36,388

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Entry Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator	less than 1 year	$35,380
Early Career Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator	1-2 years	$35,628
Mid-Level Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator	2-4 years	$36,198
Senior-Level Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator	5-8 years	$36,312
Expert Level 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator	over 8 years	$36,388

How Do 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $39,198.
California: $39,050.
Massachusetts: $38,529.

District of Columbia $39,198 California $39,050 Massachusetts $38,529 Washington $38,387 New Jersey $38,373 Alaska $38,324 Connecticut $37,835 New York $37,637

Hawaii $37,003 Rhode Island $36,706 Maryland $36,504 Minnesota $36,228 Colorado $36,122 Illinois $36,086 Oregon $35,952 Delaware $35,853

New Hampshire $35,790 Virginia $35,651 Pennsylvania $35,244 Nevada $35,038 North Dakota $34,971 Michigan $34,865 Wisconsin $34,826 Vermont $34,748

Texas $34,532 Maine $34,518 Arizona $34,497 Ohio $34,472 Georgia $34,146 Indiana $33,983 Wyoming $33,951 Utah $33,902

Iowa $33,881 Kansas $33,711 Louisiana $33,661 North Carolina $33,643 Missouri $33,636 Florida $33,498 Montana $33,424 Nebraska $33,353

Kentucky $33,314 South Carolina $33,173 Tennessee $33,084 Idaho $33,049 New Mexico $32,790 Oklahoma $32,734 Alabama $32,525 South Dakota $32,174

Arkansas $31,983 West Virginia $31,880 Mississippi $31,572

Top Paying Cities for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Glen Haven: $35,414
Hygiene: $36,645
Johnstown: $35,493

Glen Haven, CO $35,414

Hygiene, CO $36,645

Johnstown, CO $35,493

Laporte, CO $35,100

Livermore, CO $34,986

Loveland, CO $35,382

Lyons, CO $36,581

Masonville, CO $35,122

Mead, CO $35,897

Milliken, CO $35,444

Niwot, CO $36,933

Red Feather Lakes, CO $35,082

Severance, CO $35,150

Timnath, CO $35,105

Wellington, CO $34,908

Windsor, CO $35,156

Brighton, CO $36,027

Ault, CO $35,089

Briggsdale, CO $35,098

Carr, CO $34,495

Eastlake, CO $36,121

Eaton, CO $35,199

Evans, CO $35,379

Fort Lupton, CO $35,924

Galeton, CO $35,203

Gilcrest, CO $35,572

Gill, CO $35,261

Greeley, CO $35,291

Henderson, CO $36,083

Hudson, CO $35,806

Keenesburg, CO $35,633

Kersey, CO $35,265

La Salle, CO $35,511

Lucerne, CO $35,254

Nunn, CO $34,977

Orchard, CO $35,094

Pierce, CO $35,111

Ohio City, CO $35,472

Parlin, CO $35,305

Penrose, CO $34,997

Pitkin, CO $35,428

Poncha Springs, CO $35,188

Powderhorn, CO $35,232

Rockvale, CO $34,838

Sargents, CO $35,129

Twin Lakes, CO $36,289

Westcliffe, CO $34,857

Wetmore, CO $34,633

Durango, CO $35,330

Cahone, CO $35,243

Cortez, CO $35,217

Dolores, CO $35,301

Dove Creek, CO $35,208

Egnar, CO $35,228

Hesperus, CO $35,022

Lewis, CO $35,306

Mancos, CO $35,216

Marvel, CO $35,021

Mesa Verde National Park, CO $35,034

Pleasant View, CO $35,142

Rico, CO $35,309

Towaoc, CO $35,070

Yellow Jacket, CO $35,264

Montrose, CO $35,441

Austin, CO $35,487

Bedrock, CO $35,219

Cedaredge, CO $35,523

Cory, CO $35,479

Crawford, CO $35,378

Delta, CO $35,441

Eckert, CO $35,496

Hotchkiss, CO $35,474

Lazear, CO $35,448

Naturita, CO $35,290

Norwood, CO $35,304

Nucla, CO $35,345

Olathe, CO $35,402

Ophir, CO $35,342

Ouray, CO $35,337

Paonia, CO $35,637

Paradox, CO $35,238

Placerville, CO $35,310

Redvale, CO $35,321

Ridgway, CO $35,332

Silverton, CO $35,272

Somerset, CO $35,745

Telluride, CO $35,349

Grand Junction, CO $35,659

Platteville, CO $35,651

Roggen, CO $35,283

Weldona, CO $35,011

Wiggins, CO $35,198

Fort Morgan, CO $35,025

Log Lane Village, CO $35,140

Akron, CO $34,771

Amherst, CO $34,660

Atwood, CO $34,893

Brush, CO $34,890

Crook, CO $34,794

Eckley, CO $34,684

Fleming, CO $34,860

Grover, CO $34,833

Haxtun, CO $34,853

Hereford, CO $34,610

Hillrose, CO $34,925

Holyoke, CO $34,748

Idalia, CO $34,574

Iliff, CO $34,885

Julesburg, CO $34,745

Lindon, CO $34,622

Merino, CO $34,923

New Raymer, CO $34,916

Otis, CO $34,802

Ovid, CO $34,757

Padroni, CO $34,797

Paoli, CO $34,854

Peetz, CO $34,787

Sedgwick, CO $34,769

Snyder, CO $34,897

Sterling, CO $34,953

Stoneham, CO $34,917

Vernon, CO $34,606

Woodrow, CO $34,694

Wray, CO $34,675

Yuma, CO $34,792

Anton, CO $34,631

Arapahoe, CO $34,358

Arriba, CO $34,483

Bethune, CO $34,534

Burlington, CO $34,501

Calhan, CO $35,047

Cascade, CO $35,335

Cheyenne Wells, CO $34,408

Cope, CO $34,615

Cripple Creek, CO $35,269

Divide, CO $35,288

Flagler, CO $34,518

Florissant, CO $35,259

Fountain, CO $35,044

Genoa, CO $34,506

Green Mountain Falls, CO $35,327

Guffey, CO $35,221

Hugo, CO $34,295

Joes, CO $34,649

Karval, CO $34,096

Kirk, CO $34,620

Kit Carson, CO $34,365

Limon, CO $34,714

Lake George, CO $35,312

Manitou Springs, CO $35,335

Matheson, CO $34,689

Peyton, CO $35,213

Ramah, CO $34,464

Rush, CO $34,547

Seibert, CO $34,503

Simla, CO $34,846

Stratton, CO $34,538

U S A F Academy, CO $35,333

Victor, CO $35,253

Vona, CO $34,524

Wild Horse, CO $34,299

Woodland Park, CO $35,306

Yoder, CO $34,680

Colorado Springs, CO $35,336

Clifton, CO $35,637

Fruita, CO $35,549

Gateway, CO $35,298

Glade Park, CO $35,420

Loma, CO $35,561

Mack, CO $35,467

Palisade, CO $35,573

Whitewater, CO $35,418

Glenwood Springs, CO $36,003

Dinosaur, CO $35,408

Aspen, CO $36,678

Snowmass Village, CO $36,676

Avon, CO $36,347

Basalt, CO $36,561

Carbondale, CO $36,425

Collbran, CO $35,538

Craig, CO $35,798

De Beque, CO $35,533

Eagle, CO $36,198

Edwards, CO $36,276

Parachute, CO $35,718

Battlement Mesa, CO $35,686

Gypsum, CO $36,018

Hamilton, CO $35,951

Hayden, CO $35,849

Maybell, CO $35,453

Meeker, CO $35,954

Meredith, CO $36,441

Mesa, CO $35,520

Minturn, CO $36,236

Molina, CO $35,499

New Castle, CO $35,879

Rangely, CO $35,552

Red Cliff, CO $36,231

Rifle, CO $35,790

Silt, CO $35,775

Slater, CO $35,628

Snowmass, CO $36,602

Wolcott, CO $36,220

Woody Creek, CO $36,675

Vail, CO $36,391

Pueblo, CO $34,263

Colorado City, CO $34,497

Aguilar, CO $34,648

Arlington, CO $34,038

Avondale, CO $34,355

Beulah, CO $34,500

Boncarbo, CO $34,665

Boone, CO $34,466

Branson, CO $34,381

Campo, CO $34,254

Cheraw, CO $34,320

Crowley, CO $34,393

Eads, CO $34,344

Fort Lyon, CO $34,306

Fowler, CO $34,405

Gardner, CO $34,741

Granada, CO $34,421

Hartman, CO $34,487

Hasty, CO $34,382

Haswell, CO $34,178

Hoehne, CO $34,609

Holly, CO $34,378

Kim, CO $34,346

La Junta, CO $34,368

Lamar, CO $34,473

Las Animas, CO $34,349

La Veta, CO $34,802

Mc Clave, CO $34,387

Manzanola, CO $34,342

Model, CO $34,394

Olney Springs, CO $34,283

Ordway, CO $34,112

Pritchett, CO $34,348

Rocky Ford, CO $34,292

Rye, CO $34,550

Sheridan Lake, CO $34,358

Springfield, CO $34,418

Sugar City, CO $34,021

Swink, CO $34,334

Trinchera, CO $34,461

Trinidad, CO $34,610

Two Buttes, CO $34,416

Vilas, CO $34,411

Walsenburg, CO $34,618

Walsh, CO $34,375

Weston, CO $34,730

Wiley, CO $34,355

Alamosa, CO $35,066

Antonito, CO $35,044

Arboles, CO $35,115

Arvada, CO $36,122

Aurora, CO $36,097

Bayfield, CO $35,214

Broomfield, CO $36,281

Commerce City, CO $36,037

Dupont, CO $36,106

Eldorado Springs, CO $36,966

Lafayette, CO $36,638

Louisville, CO $36,683

Westminster, CO $36,105

Wheat Ridge, CO $36,104

Agate, CO $34,825

Bennett, CO $35,730

Byers, CO $35,303

Castle Rock, CO $35,460

Deer Trail, CO $35,070

Elbert, CO $35,236

Elizabeth, CO $35,533

Englewood, CO $36,097

Franktown, CO $35,436

Kiowa, CO $35,277

Larkspur, CO $35,345

Littleton, CO $36,061

Lone Tree, CO $35,966

Louviers, CO $35,916

Monument, CO $35,310

Palmer Lake, CO $35,313

Parker, CO $35,835

Sedalia, CO $35,478

Strasburg, CO $35,616

Watkins, CO $35,883

Denver, CO $36,093

Thornton, CO $36,122

Boulder, CO $37,144

Golden, CO $36,101

Alma, CO $35,898

Bailey, CO $35,816

Black Hawk, CO $36,462

Bond, CO $36,216

Breckenridge, CO $35,974

Buffalo Creek, CO $35,692

Burns, CO $35,984

Central City, CO $36,257

Clark, CO $35,643

Climax, CO $36,016

Coalmont, CO $35,581

Como, CO $35,460

Conifer, CO $35,909

Cowdrey, CO $35,437

Dillon, CO $35,953

Dumont, CO $36,127

Evergreen, CO $36,038

Empire, CO $35,962

Fairplay, CO $35,493

Fraser, CO $36,003

Frisco, CO $36,175

Georgetown, CO $35,935

Granby, CO $35,907

Grand Lake, CO $35,887

Grant, CO $35,632

Hartsel, CO $35,304

Hot Sulphur Springs, CO $35,859

Idaho Springs, CO $36,066

Idledale, CO $36,064

Indian Hills, CO $36,045

Jamestown, CO $37,084

Jefferson, CO $35,557

Kittredge, CO $36,049

Kremmling, CO $35,855

Leadville, CO $35,972

Mc Coy, CO $35,978

Morrison, CO $36,037

Nederland, CO $36,747

Oak Creek, CO $35,914

Parshall, CO $36,068

Phippsburg, CO $35,949

Pine, CO $35,735

Pinecliffe, CO $36,920

Rand, CO $35,584

Rollinsville, CO $36,576

Shawnee, CO $35,727

Silver Plume, CO $35,783

Steamboat Springs, CO $35,847

Tabernash, CO $36,087

Toponas, CO $35,936

Walden, CO $35,530

Ward, CO $36,650

Winter Park, CO $36,133

Yampa, CO $35,985

Silverthorne, CO $36,144

Longmont, CO $36,502

Allenspark, CO $36,337

Estes Park, CO $35,791

Bellvue, CO $35,333

Berthoud, CO $35,766

Dacono, CO $36,183

Drake, CO $35,346

Erie, CO $36,345

Firestone, CO $36,093

Fort Collins, CO $35,081

Frederick, CO $36,094

Blanca, CO $34,942

Capulin, CO $35,122

Center, CO $35,093

Chama, CO $34,822

Chimney Rock, CO $35,130

Chromo, CO $34,894

Conejos, CO $35,022

Creede, CO $35,206

Crestone, CO $34,958

Del Norte, CO $35,130

Fort Garland, CO $34,863

San Luis, CO $34,722

Homelake, CO $35,097

Hooper, CO $34,980

Ignacio, CO $35,062

Jaroso, CO $34,798

La Jara, CO $35,079

Manassa, CO $35,043

Moffat, CO $35,004

Monte Vista, CO $35,118

Mosca, CO $34,936

Pagosa Springs, CO $35,127

Romeo, CO $35,146

Saguache, CO $35,125

Sanford, CO $34,949

San Pablo, CO $34,770

South Fork, CO $35,165

Villa Grove, CO $35,051

Salida, CO $35,189

Almont, CO $36,095

Buena Vista, CO $36,040

Canon City, CO $35,032

Cimarron, CO $35,269

Coal Creek, CO $34,825

Coaldale, CO $35,103

Cotopaxi, CO $35,005

Crested Butte, CO $36,285

Florence, CO $34,770

Monarch, CO $35,263

Granite, CO $35,792

Gunnison, CO $35,296

Hillside, CO $34,992

Howard, CO $35,167

Lake City, CO $35,267

Nathrop, CO $35,295

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

$33,869

Average $36,122/year

$38,858

$2,822

Average $3,010/month

$3,238

$651

Average $695/week

$747

$16

Average $17/hour

$19

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$38,858	$3,238	$747	$19
Average	$36,122	$3,010	$695	$17
25th Percentile	$33,869	$2,822	$651	$16

Find Your Next 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

Elwood Staffing | Henderson, CO

Forklift Operator

Elwood Staffing | Henderson, CO

Elwood Staffing - 275-C Pavilions Place - Responsibilities: Maintain the loading and unloading of palletized items on/off truck trailers, operating stand u... more

8 Days Ago
Packaging Corp of America | Denver, CO

Forklift Operator

Packaging Corp of America | Denver, CO

Packaging Corp of America - - Responsibilities: Operate forklift safely and efficiently. Operate wrapping equipment when necessary. Keep stock and material... more

8 Days Ago
Aerotek | Littleton, CO

Forklift Operator

Aerotek | Littleton, CO

Aerotek - - Responsibilities: Operate a propane or diesel sit-down forklift in an outdoor concrete yard. Load pallets onto trucks, typically two pallets at... more

8 Days Ago
UFP Industries, Inc. | Windsor, CO

Forklift Operator

UFP Industries, Inc. | Windsor, CO

UFP Industries, Inc. Responsibilities: Move materials between inventory and production. Maintain production paperwork and records. Band, wrap, and label fi... more

9 Days Ago
Syncreon | Aurora, CO

Forklift Operator

Syncreon | Aurora, CO

Syncreon - - Responsibilities: Read customer orders, work orders, shipping orders, or documents to determine items to be moved, gathered, distributed and/o... more

10 Days Ago
XPO Logistics | Henderson, CO

Forklift Operator

XPO Logistics | Henderson, CO

XPO Logistics - - Responsibilities: Efficiently sort, handle, load and unload palletized and non-palletized freight. Use appropriate motorized and manual e... more

10 Days Ago

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3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary in Colorado

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Key Factors That Influence 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries?

How Do 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary in Colorado

Check out 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Job Openings in Colorado

Key Factors That Influence 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries?

How Do 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for 3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator

3-1 Operator and Forklift Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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