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Contract Forklift Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlastiPak

CONTRACT Forklift Operator

Jackson Center, OH · On-site

$17.25/hr

Plastipak is looking for Forklift Operators to join our plastics packaging team in Jackson Center ... This is a contract position with the in-house temporary agency, with opportunities for future ...

PeopleShare Inc

Forklift Operator

Newport News, VA · On-site

$19.50/hr

This is a full-time, contract-to-hire opportunity with one of the top local employers. If you have recent, long-term experience as a certified Forklift Operator, we can connect you with a long-term, ...

SFI Tennessee

Be Seen First

Forklift Operator

Carson, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Contract to Hire Positions For a quick response & interview please text the word (CHERRY) to 310 667 0099 Forklift Operator * Responsible for receiving, storing, distributing material and products.

New

SFI Los Angeles

Forklift Operator

Carson, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Contract to Hire Positions For a quick response & interview please text the word (CHERRY) to 310 667 0099 Forklift Operator * Responsible for receiving, storing, distributing material and products.

Open Scientific

Forklift Operator

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Company Description Open Scientific provides contract staffing and direct hire recruitment services for the scientific, engineering, laboratory and manufacturing sectors. Job Title: Forklift Operator ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19.75/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. OG

Forklift Operator

Lexington, NC · On-site

$18/hr

Forklift Operator Are you an experienced forklift operator looking for a dynamic opportunity in a ... Lexington (US) North Carolina Contract Type: Full-time Job Functions Include But Are Not Limited To ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

1-800-PACK-RAT

FORKLIFT OPERATOR

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Forklift Operator Forklift Operators should be skilled with excellent attention to detail. As a ... Scan and upload contracts, addendums, and other documents into IT servers * May perform other ...

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Contract Forklift Operator information

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How much do contract forklift operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract forklift operator in the United States is $17.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Forklift Operator vs Full-Time Forklift Operator?

AspectContract Forklift OperatorFull-Time Forklift Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, forklift licenseOSHA certification, forklift license
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, various warehousesPermanent employment, consistent location
Employment TypeContract basis, short-term or project-basedFull-time, permanent position
Job StabilityLess stable, depends on contractsMore stable, benefits included

Contract Forklift Operators typically work on temporary assignments with varying employers, offering flexibility but less job security. Full-Time Forklift Operators are employed permanently with consistent hours and benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in warehouse environments, but their employment terms differ significantly.

What is a contract forklift operator?

Contract forklift operators are skilled workers who are hired on a temporary or contract basis to operate forklifts and other material handling equipment in warehouses, factories, or distribution centers. Unlike permanent employees, contract forklift operators typically work for a set period or for specific projects through staffing agencies or directly with employers. Their main responsibilities include loading and unloading goods, moving materials within facilities, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. This role requires certification and experience in operating forklifts, as well as an understanding of workplace safety standards.

Which contract forklift operator job pays the most?

Contract forklift operator jobs that pay the highest wages are typically found in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, especially those requiring specialized skills like operating high-capacity or specialized equipment. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications (such as OSHA or forklift licenses), and the complexity of the work environment. Generally, positions in large distribution centers or with companies offering overtime and hazard pay tend to offer higher compensation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract forklift operator?

To thrive as a Contract Forklift Operator, you need proven experience operating forklifts, knowledge of warehouse safety procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification in forklift operation and familiarity with inventory management systems or warehouse software are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and accurate handling of goods in fast-paced warehouse environments.

What are common challenges faced by contract forklift operators and how can they be addressed?

Contract forklift operators often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new warehouse layouts, learning unique safety protocols, and integrating with different team cultures at each assignment. To address these, it’s helpful to communicate proactively with supervisors, review site-specific safety guidelines, and seek clarification on expectations early in each contract. Building strong working relationships with permanent staff can also make transitions smoother and improve overall job satisfaction.
More about Contract Forklift Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Forklift Operator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Forklift Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forklift Operator jobs? The most popular types of Forklift Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Forklift Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Forklift Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Forklift Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Forklift Operator jobs are:
Contract Forklift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Forklift Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,097 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

CONTRACT Forklift Operator

Plastipak Holdings

Jackson Center, OH • On-site

$17.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Plastipak Packaging rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Forklift Operator

Plastipak is looking for forklift operators to join our plastics packaging team in Jackson Center, OH. In this role, you will safely and efficiently move and store raw materials and finished goods between the warehouse and production areas.

*This is a contract position with the in-house temporary agency, with opportunities for future direct employment.

Location: Jackson Center, OH

Pay Rate: $17.25+/hr, depending on experience

Schedule: 3-2-2-3 rotation (3 days on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off)

Days: 5am-5:10pm

Nights: 5pm-5:10am

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate forklift to transport raw materials and finished goods between the warehouse and production areas.
  • Load and unload trucks for Shipping & Receiving
  • Use RF scanner to scan goods & properly maintain inventory records
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 1 year experience operating forklift
  • Experience tracking inventory
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs

As a Plastipak associate, you receive a benefits package offering the following:

  • Wellness programs
  • Health insurance coverage, including medical, dental & vision
  • EAP, employee assistance program
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Disability insurance: short-term & long-term
  • Accidental insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Hospital indemnity insurance
  • 401(k) plan, with company matching contribution & profit sharing feature
  • Paid time off - 80 hours within 1st year & subsequent increases
  • Paid company holidays
  • Dependent care flexible spending account
  • Caregiving via Care.com
  • Pet insurance
  • Tuition assistance program
  • Sons and daughters scholarship program
  • Travel assistance
  • Employee discount programs

*Some benefits are subject to eligibility requirements

Plastipak is an equal opportunity employer

What Plastipak Packaging employees say

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