$24.5 - $25 per hour
EOE/AA/M/F/Vet/Disabled Position Title: Warehouse General Operator Description Coastal Pacific Food Distributors is seeking... ...operate material handling equipment, including Reach Lifts, Forklifts, and Electric Pallet…
Operations & Logistics · Washington, DC
Forklift Operator jobs in Washington, DC
Forklift operators move pallets and heavy loads through warehouses and yards, loading trailers, stocking racks, and following strict safety rules around people and product.
384
Open roles today
$20–$38/hr
Typical pay range
$56k
Median, full-time
5
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01
Open forklift operator roles
9 shown of 384 · sorted by freshness
$24.52 per hour
Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies (CWT) segments. Driven by operational excellence and the Carlisle Operating System (COS), we focus... ...in commercial and residential applications. We are seeking a Forklift Operato…
$25 - $32 per hour
Adobe Excellent written communications, using correct grammar and spelling Qualifications ~1+ years of experience operating a forklift ~ Previous construction, warehouse, or manufacturing experience ~ Previous shipping a…
Haul Truck Driver – Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Charles Town, WV Position Type: Direct Placement (Full-Time, Permanent) Primary Fleet: CAT 730 / CAT 740 Articulated Haul Trucks Are you a skilled operator who takes…
$21 - $23 per hour
Worker/Driver, where you will support the produce department by pulling orders, preparing shipments, and loading trucks. This position operates during the day shift from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You will be traine…
$23.49 per hour
We are looking for an organized, sharp Forklift Operator to manage our glass cart corral and drive floor operations! In this critical role, you’ll be the central air-traffic controller for our glass inventory—communicati…
$21.99 per hour
Are you a skilled equipment operator who thrives high in the stacks? We are looking for a safety-focused Cherry Picker & Reach Truck Operator... ...: ~ wearing steel toe shoes Skills Cherry Picking forklift Qualification…
$20 per hour
If you are an experienced pallet jack operator who thrives on high-speed efficiency and maintaining constant workflow, this is your opportunity! We are partnering with industry leaders looking for individuals who can max…
Uses technology to manage inventory while following policies and procedures. Handles goods with powered machinery such as forklift, powered pallet jack, etc. Cardboard baler. putting cardboard in the baler and pressing a…
02
What forklift operators earn in Washington
Hourly first — that's how the offer arrives
| Experience | Hourly | Annual, full-time |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $20–$25 | $41k–$52k |
| Mid level | $24–$30 | $50k–$62k |
| Senior | $29–$38 | $60k–$78k |
Adjusted for the Washington 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.
05
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.
06
Where this role goes
Typical progression
01
Warehouse Associate
02
Forklift Operator
03
Equipment Lead
04
Warehouse Supervisor
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