Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$49,700$23.89 per hour · $4,142 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Wage Percentiles in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $19.42/hr | $3,367 | $40,400 | $33,758 |
| 25th Percentile | $21.83/hr | $3,783 | $45,400 | $37,586 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $23.89/hr | $4,142 | $49,700 | $40,877 |
| 75th Percentile | $26.59/hr | $4,608 | $55,300 | $45,164 |
| 90th Percentile | $30.63/hr | $5,308 | $63,700 | $51,594 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$49,700 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare forklift operators salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
What is the median salary for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $49,700, which equates to approximately $4,142 per month or $23.89 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median hourly wage for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $23.89 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $19.42/hour and one in ten earned more than $30.63/hour.
What is the pay range for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
BLS wage estimates for forklift operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA span from $40,400 at the 10th percentile to $45,400 at the 25th, $55,300 at the 75th, and $63,700 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do forklift operators take home after taxes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On a median gross salary of $49,700, an estimated $40,877 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,572 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $8,823 (an effective rate of 17.8%).
How much do forklift operators make per month in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On the median annual salary of $49,700, gross monthly income is $4,142. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $3,406 per month (or $1,572 every two weeks).
Is $49,700 a good salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
At $49,700, the median salary for forklift operators is 57.9% of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA median household income ($85,890). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 91.7, making regional consumer goods and services 8.3% cheaper than the U.S. average.