Are you debating whether or not to apply for a forklift operator position in New York? It can be quite lucrative, and the field is seeing significant growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, it’s not as simple as applying for a job and then going to work. You’ll need the training to ensure that you are compliant with OSHA requirements. In fact, you’ll discover that forklift certification for New York-based professionals is not only important but that it can give you access to a number of advantages, including competitive pay.

Career Opportunities with Forklift Certification in New York

While your responsibilities will be very similar from one employer to another, you’ll find that a host of different companies in New York require your skills and expertise. The differences in industry alone will make for varied career opportunities. So, what companies in New York regularly hire forklift drivers? Just a few of them with current openings at the time of this writing include:

• Costco
• FedEx
• Nestle
• Nature’s Bounty
• C. Richard & Son
• Walmart
• Lowe’s
• Home Depot
• Coca-Cola
• Sam’s Club
• 3M
• BJ’s
• Crate and Barrel
• Genco Distribution Systems

As you can see, there are quite a few options. Some of your opportunities lie in the world of big-box warehouse stores, while others involve working with distribution companies. You’ll find yet others with beverage distribution, as well as groceries, manufacturing, and more.

What Pay Might You See as a New York Forklift Operator?

Having plenty of job opportunities open to you is all well and good, but you need to know what you might expect to earn as a forklift operator. With forklift certification, New York professionals can expect to earn an average of $29,583, according to Glassdoor.com. However, Ind

Delving into individual companies, you’ll quickly find that forklift operators can earn a great deal of money depending on where they work. For instance, while Indeed might list the average salary for an operator at just north of $17 per hour, Nestle is willing to pay $16 per hour. Nature’s Bounty pays between $14 and $17 per hour, and Walmart pays around $13 per hour, all of which are more in line with Glassdoor’s earnings estimate. With that being said, 3M pays operators between $36,000 and $39,000 per year, and getting your foot in the door with Crate and Barrel could earn you $30,000 per year as a starting salary.

The Importance of Forklift Certification for New York Operators

As you can see from the discussion above, there are plenty of jobs available for professional forklift operators. It’s also quite possible to earn a very respectable living in the state. However, you need to ensure that you are the best candidate for the job, which means not only having experience as a forklift operator but also having your forklift certification.

Why should you worry about getting certification? Does OSHA mandate it for job seekers? The short answer here is no. OSHA does not require job applicants to have any sort of experience or training with forklifts to apply for the job. But there are huge advantages to having completed your forklift training before applying for a job.

Consider this scenario: Two people apply for the same job with a company to operate a forklift. One of those has never used a forklift before but is willing to learn. The other one not only has experience with lifts but has completed a certification course on their own. Which of the two do you believe is going to get the job? The one with certification. Why, though?

Look at it from an employer’s perspective. You have a limited budget with which to handle new employee onboarding, and you want to make sure that you make the smartest decision possible with your hiring choices. Hiring someone who already has their certification is a good decision because 1) that helps you stretch your budget that much further, and 2) it shows that the individual is dedicated to advancing themselves. That’s why having a current forklift certification included on your resume is so helpful.

How to Get the Training You Need

So, given the importance of obtaining forklift certification in New York before you apply for a job, how do you go about obtaining it? There are two primary choices here. One of those is the traditional in-person class. This situation sees you going to class in person, taking written tests, and then receiving hands-on training and an evaluation. That’s fine, but it comes with some drawbacks, particularly when it comes to the time constraints it places on your schedule.

The other option is to take online forklift certification training. These allow you to complete all the necessary theory work and then take quizzes right through the website. All courses can be completed on a PC or a laptop, but you can even use your tablet computer or smartphone if you would prefer. That offers the ability to complete the coursework on your own schedule and at your own pace.

A Note for New York Employers

With OSHA’s mandate for employers to provide training and forklift certification in New York, it’s no secret that doing so can cost you additional money and time. You have a business to run, and having your managers and machines out of commission even for a few hours each day means lost revenue and dissatisfied customers. Online forklift operator training allows your new employees, re-certifying professionals, and those in need of refresher training to complete all the coursework digitally and then complete an in-person demonstration. It’s faster, far more affordable, and does not slow down your business.