$22.35 per hour
material handlers work together, filling and preparing material orders for shipment to our customers, which includes operation of overhead cranes, forklifts, metal saws, shears, and lasers. Our extensive training will pr…
Operations & Logistics · Chicago, IL
Forklift Operator jobs in Chicago, IL
Forklift operators move pallets and heavy loads through warehouses and yards, loading trailers, stocking racks, and following strict safety rules around people and product.
339
Open roles today
$17–$32/hr
Typical pay range
$49k
Median, full-time
5
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01
Open forklift operator roles
12 shown of 339 · sorted by freshness
$24.37 - $29.93 per hour
What you’ll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO Get a feel for the role. Watch this short video to see a day-in-the-life on an XPO dock. Minimum qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age Able to do basic math…
$23.75 per hour
be comfortable driving and working in varying weather conditions. Load and unload packages to be delivered. Safely drive and operate your delivery vehicle at all times. Use hand held device for routing information, custo…
$17.5 per hour
FORKLIFT OPERATOR 3RD SHIFT START TIME 11:00PM PAY RATE $ 17.50
$22 per hour
Be the driving force behind inventory readiness! We are hiring dedicated stand up forklift operators who ensure products are always available for the picking teams. This dynamic role focuses on maintaining constant mater…
No CDL Tow Truck Operator Job Multiple Tow Truck Operators needed for an experienced fast paced towing company. We are looking for experienced flatbed, medium and heavy duty drivers with at least one year experience but…
$23.99 per hour
The Industrial Truck Operator performs transportation assignments in designated locations according to prescribed method. Identifies... ...ITO duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE Prior forklift experience req…
Quantix Is Currently Partnering With CDL-A Waste Owner Operator Truck Drivers NEW - $15,000 SIGN-ON BONUS* Paid Out Within a Year, Including $5,000 on Your 1st Settlement! Regional Runs - Out 2-3 Days! CDL-A Owner Operat…
environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation... ...handler will spend approximately 70% of working shift on a forklif…
$24 per hour
Forklift Operator Job Type: Full-time Salary Range: $18.00 – $24.00 / hour Job Summary We are hiring an experienced Forklift Operator to manage the movement of heavy inventory. Your role will involve operating industrial…
Staffmax is assisting our client in hiring a certified Forklift Operator for a 6-month contract night shift. This is a great opportunity for skilled forklift drivers looking for stable, long-term work with a reputable or…
fluctuate based on the needs of the business. Other duties as assigned. Your Key Qualifications HS diploma or GED. Prior forklift certification. Ability to perform repetitive duties within the designated parameters of st…
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What forklift operators earn in Chicago
Hourly first — that's how the offer arrives
| Experience | Hourly | Annual, full-time |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $17–$22 | $36k–$45k |
| Mid level | $21–$26 | $43k–$54k |
| Senior | $25–$32 | $52k–$67k |
Adjusted for the Chicago market from national ranges.
03
What employers ask for
The skills these listings keep naming
Sit-down and stand-up forkliftsOSHA safety complianceLoad balancingRF scanningTrailer loadingEquipment inspectionSpatial awarenessReliability
04
Interview questions worth rehearsing
With the thing the interviewer is actually listening for
What forklift types are you certified on, and which have you run the most?
Be specific: sit-down counterbalance, reach truck, order picker, clamp. Hours on each type tell them more than the certification alone.
Walk me through your daily equipment inspection.
List the real checklist: forks, hydraulics, tires, horn, brakes, battery or propane. A fluent answer signals the habit is genuine.
How do you operate safely in aisles shared with pedestrians?
Mention horn use at intersections, controlled speed, looking in the direction of travel, and stopping when someone is in the aisle. Safety rules, stated simply.
Tell me about a time you caught an unstable or overweight load. What did you do?
Show that you stopped, re-stacked or split the load, and flagged it rather than forcing the lift. Judgment is what they are hiring.
How do you load a trailer to keep weight balanced?
Talk about distributing heavy pallets low and evenly front to back, and following the load plan. It shows you think past your own forks.
What would you do if you clipped a rack or product?
Say you would report it immediately, every time. Companies fire for hidden damage, not for reported accidents.
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Resume tips that move the needle
For forklift operators specifically — generic advice costs you here
01
List your OSHA forklift certification and the equipment classes it covers.
02
Name each truck type you can run: reach, order picker, clamp, slip-sheet, or stand-up.
03
Quantify an incident-free record in months or years; it is the strongest line on this resume.
04
Include pallet volumes or trailers loaded per shift to show pace.
05
Mention RF scanner and WMS experience, since most operator roles now require both.
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Where this role goes
Typical progression
01
Warehouse Associate
02
Forklift Operator
03
Equipment Lead
04
Warehouse Supervisor
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