Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$42,400$20.38 per hour · $3,533 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Wage Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
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 (TN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17.21/hr | $2,983 | $35,800 | $30,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $18.27/hr | $3,167 | $38,000 | $32,713 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $20.38/hr | $3,533 | $42,400 | $36,248 |
| 75th Percentile | $23.08/hr | $4,000 | $48,000 | $40,748 |
| 90th Percentile | $26.49/hr | $4,592 | $55,100 | $46,453 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Knoxville, TN
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$42,400 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare forklift operators salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Tennessee:
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Pay in Knoxville, TN
What is the median salary for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN?
The official BLS median annual wage for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN is $42,400, which equates to approximately $3,533 per month or $20.38 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN?
The median hourly wage for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN is $20.38 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $17.21/hour and one in ten earned more than $26.49/hour.
What is the pay range for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN?
BLS wage estimates for forklift operators in Knoxville, TN span from $35,800 at the 10th percentile to $38,000 at the 25th, $48,000 at the 75th, and $55,100 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do forklift operators take home after taxes in Knoxville, TN?
On a median gross salary of $42,400, an estimated $36,248 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,394 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Tennessee in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $6,152 (an effective rate of 14.5%).
How much do forklift operators make per month in Knoxville, TN?
On the median annual salary of $42,400, gross monthly income is $3,533. After federal, FICA, and Tennessee state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $3,021 per month (or $1,394 every two weeks).
Is $42,400 a good salary in Knoxville, TN?
At $42,400, the median salary for forklift operators is 58.5% of the Knoxville, TN median household income ($72,422). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 92.6, making regional consumer goods and services 7.4% cheaper than the U.S. average.