Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$49,500$23.80 per hour · $4,125 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Wage Percentiles in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $18.94/hr | $3,283 | $39,400 | $32,032 |
| 25th Percentile | $21.35/hr | $3,700 | $44,400 | $35,802 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $23.80/hr | $4,125 | $49,500 | $39,648 |
| 75th Percentile | $28.65/hr | $4,967 | $59,600 | $47,263 |
| 90th Percentile | $31.44/hr | $5,450 | $65,400 | $51,636 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$49,500 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare forklift operators salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Illinois:
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
What is the median salary for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The official BLS median annual wage for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $49,500, which equates to approximately $4,125 per month or $23.80 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median hourly wage for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $23.80 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $18.94/hour and one in ten earned more than $31.44/hour.
What is the pay range for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
BLS wage estimates for forklift operators in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN span from $39,400 at the 10th percentile to $44,400 at the 25th, $59,600 at the 75th, and $65,400 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do forklift operators take home after taxes in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
On a median gross salary of $49,500, an estimated $39,648 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,525 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Illinois in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $9,852 (an effective rate of 19.9%).
How much do forklift operators make per month in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
On the median annual salary of $49,500, gross monthly income is $4,125. After federal, FICA, and Illinois state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $3,304 per month (or $1,525 every two weeks).
Is $49,500 a good salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
At $49,500, the median salary for forklift operators is 54.5% of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN median household income ($90,887). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 103.6, making regional consumer goods and services 3.6% more expensive than the U.S. average.