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Counterbalance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Portland, ME · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). * May be assigned other duties to support business needs. Required ...

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). * May be assigned other duties to support business needs. Required ...

Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Paducah, KY · On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). * May be assigned other duties to support business needs. Required ...

Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Kerrville, TX · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). * May be assigned other duties to support business needs. Required ...

Fulfillment Department Supervisor

Franklin, TN

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). Minimum Qualifications • High School diploma or GED and 3-5 Years of ...

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). Minimum Qualifications • High School diploma or GED and 3-5 Years of ...

Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified). Minimum Qualifications • High School diploma or GED and 3-5 Years of ...

Material Handler/MHE Driver

Phoenix, AZ

$16.50 - $20/hr

Operate Reach and Counterbalance Forklifts. Loading and Unloading Semi Trailers. Abides by all established organizational policies, rules, and regulations. Other related duties as assigned. Physical ...

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Counterbalance information

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$14

$19

$25

How much do counterbalance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for counterbalance in the United States is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counterbalance Forklift Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Counterbalance Forklift Operator, you need a valid forklift license, strong spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of warehouse safety protocols. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory scanners, and various forklift models is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient material handling and help maintain smooth warehouse operations while minimizing accidents.

What is the difference between Counterbalance vs Reach Truck Operator?

AspectCounterbalanceReach Truck Operator
CertificationsForklift certification, OSHA complianceForklift certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentGround-level warehouse, loading docksWarehouse aisles, racking systems
Industry UsageWarehousing, manufacturing, logisticsWarehousing, distribution centers
Common TasksLoading/unloading, transporting palletsPicking, stacking, retrieving pallets at height

Counterbalance and Reach Truck Operators both require forklift certifications and work in warehouse environments. Counterbalance operators typically handle ground-level tasks like loading and transporting pallets, while Reach Truck Operators work within racking systems, retrieving items at height. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and job requirements.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for counterbalance operators are rare and typically require extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. Such roles may include senior crane or forklift operators in large industrial or construction projects, where daily wages can reach or exceed $2,000, especially with overtime or in high-demand environments.

What is counterbalance work?

Counterbalance work involves operating a counterbalance forklift, which is used to lift and move heavy loads in warehouses and industrial settings. It requires training and certification to safely handle the equipment, and workers often work in environments with high stacking and material handling demands.

What jobs make $1000 per hour?

Jobs related to counterbalance equipment, such as experienced forklift or crane operators, typically do not reach $1000 per hour. High-paying roles in specialized fields like surgeons, anesthesiologists, or certain executive positions can earn this level of income, but they are not directly related to counterbalance roles. Most jobs involving counterbalance skills offer salaries significantly below this threshold.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A counterbalance forklift operator can earn around $10,000 a month with experience and working in high-demand environments, especially in logistics or warehouse settings. These roles typically require certification in forklift operation and physical stamina but do not usually require a college degree.

What are some common challenges faced by counterbalance forklift operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Counterbalance forklift operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces, handling heavy or awkward loads, and maintaining safety in busy warehouse environments. To address these, operators should receive thorough training, stay vigilant about their surroundings, and communicate clearly with team members. Regular equipment checks and adherence to safety protocols are also essential to minimize risks and ensure efficient workflow. Building good relationships with supervisors and co-workers can further help operators manage tasks smoothly and respond effectively to unexpected situations.

What are counterbalance forklift operators?

Counterbalance forklift operators are professionals trained to operate counterbalance forklifts, which are the most common type of forklift used in warehouses and industrial settings. These forklifts have forks at the front and a weight at the back to balance heavy loads, allowing operators to lift, move, and stack materials safely and efficiently. Operators need to be certified and skilled in maneuvering the forklift in tight spaces, following safety protocols, and conducting basic equipment checks. Their work is critical for maintaining smooth logistics and inventory management in a variety of industries.
More about Counterbalance jobs
What cities are hiring for Counterbalance jobs? Cities with the most Counterbalance job openings:
Infographic showing various Counterbalance job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,590 per year, or $19.5 per hour.
Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Full Time - Fulfillment Team Lead - Day

Lowe's

Portland, ME • On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Lowe's rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Lowe's

Based on 5,065 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.2

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.2 out of 10

National retailers average

Based on 93,524 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Lowe's

  • 89%

    89% say they get paid time off

    say they get paid time off

  • 80%

    80% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 75%

    75% Part-time workers get health insurance

    Part-time workers get health insurance

Featured by Lowe's, based on 5065 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Key Responsibilities
  • Coach and model service excellence through accurate and high quality picking, staging, and order validation.
  • Respond to customer and associate questions, resolve issues, and escalate when needed.
  • Balance service, administrative, and maintenance tasks with fulfillment responsibilities.
  • Use the Orders App to pick, stage, and fulfill all order types (Pickup, Install, Delivery, Same Day / Gig, and Curbside.
  • Partner with the Pro Sales team to ensure Pro Call Ahead Orders are picked and staged. Resolve escalated customer issues and operational challenges quickly and effectively.
  • Support inventory accuracy, SIMS compliance, and shrink reduction through audits and validation.
  • Ensure fulfillment areas remain safe, organized, and compliant by conducting daily checks and enforcing safety and maintenance standards.
  • Operate and maintain certification for powered equipment (Forklift, Order Picker, Narrow Aisle Reach Truck) and follow all safety requirements.
  • Assist with scheduling, coverage, and communication of fulfillment priorities, partnering with leadership and MOD as needed.
  • Powered Equipment Certification: Counterbalance Forklift, Order Picker, and Narrow Aisle Reach Truck (Required; must be obtained if not already certified).
  • May be assigned other duties to support business needs.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED or equivalent years of experience in lieu of education requirement, if applicable
  • 6 Months of Experience using a computer, including inputting, accessing, modifying, or outputting information
  • 1 Year of Retail experience providing customer service, including identifying and resolving customer issues, greeting customers, answering phones, building relationships with customers, and thanking customers for their business
  • Obtaining certification for Counterbalance Forklift, Narrow Aisle Reach Truck and Order Picker is required for this role.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 6 Months of Experience using common retail technology, such as smart phones and tablets
  • 6 Months of Experience working in any department at a Lowe’s retail store
  • 6 Months of Experience in an administrative role processing and filing paperwork including invoices
  • 1 Year of Supervisory experience in any field, including directing, delegating, evaluating, training, and coaching employees
  • 1 Year of Experience in a customer service or product fulfillment position at a home improvement or hardware retailer in related department (e.g., kitchen, plumbing, electrical, lawn and garden)

Lowe’s is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.

Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. For information regarding our benefit programs and eligibility, please visit https://talent.lowes.com/us/en/benefits.

Working at Lowe's

Perks for frontline workers

From Lowe's, via Breakroom

  • Bonus opportunities

  • Tuition-free education assistance

  • Flexible scheduling options

  • 401(K) with up to 4.25% company match

  • Up to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave & 4 weeks of paid parental leave

  • Paid time off

  • Access to comprehensive healthcare options

  • Employee stock purchase plan

What to expect from working at Lowe's

From Lowe's

About Lowe's, in their own words

From Lowe's

Since 1921, home improvers of all stripes have relied on us to have the products and services they need. Our commitment to our customers drives every decision we make, from the products on our shelves to developing a more sustainable supply chain and robust philanthropy. We set the standard for corporate responsibility and thoughtful customer service in home improvement retail.

Walk into any of our stores, distribution centers, or offices, and you'll find a driven team of collaborators, builders, and visionaries. As an associate, you will be empowered to learn and grow in your career. From solving customer problems to providing disaster relief, your hard work will help us build a solid foundation for the success of future generations.

Company values

From Lowe's

Our Core Behaviors:

  • Focus on Customers
  • Deliver Results
  • Take Action
  • Show Courage
  • Continue Learning

Our Values:

  • Service Minded
  • Collaborative
  • Inclusive
  • Respectful
  • Driven to Win

What Lowe's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Lowe's logo

About Lowe's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 19 million customer transactions a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2021 sales of over $96 billion, Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service nearly 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Mooresville, NC, US

Year founded

1946