Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Make?
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators earn a median annual salary of $46,390 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $36,500 at the 10th percentile to $61,540 at the 90th percentile — a range of $25,040. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $81,470.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,500 |
| 25th percentile | $39,780 |
| Median (50th) | $46,390 |
| 75th percentile | $53,680 |
| 90th percentile | $61,540 |
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $81,470 |
| New Mexico | $60,960 |
| Delaware | $60,030 |
| Hawaii | $58,070 |
| Wyoming | $56,170 |
| Alaska | $50,630 |
| New Hampshire | $50,490 |
| Oregon | $50,050 |
| New York | $49,610 |
| California | $48,720 |
| Colorado | $48,460 |
| Minnesota | $48,420 |
| Virginia | $48,380 |
| Washington | $48,270 |
| Kansas | $48,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,900 |
| Utah | $47,500 |
| Connecticut | $47,420 |
| Arizona | $47,250 |
| Montana | $47,230 |
| Louisiana | $47,200 |
| Illinois | $47,090 |
| Maine | $47,080 |
| Iowa | $46,950 |
| Idaho | $46,870 |
| Massachusetts | $46,870 |
| North Dakota | $46,800 |
| Maryland | $46,670 |
| Wisconsin | $46,660 |
| Ohio | $46,340 |
| Nevada | $46,280 |
| Nebraska | $46,120 |
| Vermont | $46,020 |
| Texas | $45,820 |
| Florida | $45,790 |
| New Jersey | $45,620 |
| South Dakota | $45,590 |
| Indiana | $45,310 |
| Oklahoma | $44,830 |
| Michigan | $44,380 |
| Georgia | $44,330 |
| Missouri | $44,300 |
| Rhode Island | $44,040 |
| Kentucky | $43,340 |
| Alabama | $42,640 |
| Arkansas | $42,630 |
| Mississippi | $42,430 |
| North Carolina | $42,250 |
| South Carolina | $41,770 |
| West Virginia | $40,930 |
| Tennessee | $40,760 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$36,500 – $39,780 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$46,390 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$53,680 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $61,540+ |
How to Earn More as an Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in Flint, MI earn $76,430 — $30,040 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($53,680) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operatorthis career | $46,390 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $42,580 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 53-7051.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.