Tired of Being a Forklift Operator? Here are Career Change Ideas

Key Takeaways

Forklift operators are in demand, with significant growth driven by e-commerce and supply chain advancements. However, if you know a career as a forklift driver is not for you, ensure you make an informed decision before you start your job search.

Are you feeling stuck in your role as a forklift operator? You're not alone. Many in this field reach a point where they crave something new. This blog is for you if you're ready to steer your career in a new direction. We understand the challenges of forklift operation – the physical demands, the routine tasks, and the longing for growth.
If you're yearning for change but unsure where to start, you're in the right place. Let's explore some exciting career paths for forklift drivers; transforming your professional journey into a new season of exploration and professional development

Leaving a Career As a Forklift Driver for the Right Reasons

When considering a career change, it's important to reflect on your motivations. Are you seeking new challenges, personal growth, or a different work-life balance?

"The demand for [forklift operators] grows as the global forklift market grows. E-commerce growth and supply chain improvements are driving this. Recent data predicts the forklift market to rise by more than 6% from 2022 to 2026." (")

This quote highlights the demand for hiring forklift operators in your current field. A bit of difficulty with your boss may mean you can just apply to another company.

However, if you're looking for new experiences, personal or career development, or work-life balance, then pursuing a new career path can be fulfilling.

Exploring New Career Paths Beyond Forklift Operators

The first step in changing careers is to assess your current skills and interests. As a forklift operator, you've developed valuable abilities. No need to despair that the forklift training and position you're in now was a waste of time.

Valuable transferable skills you've developed as a forklift operator most likely include:

Precision: Forklift operators must maneuver their vehicles with exactness, often in confined spaces or when handling delicate goods. You likely possess excellent hand-eye coordination in order to drive a forklift safely. Your precision is crucial in roles that demand meticulous attention, such as in engineering, manufacturing, or even in technical roles in IT where accuracy is paramount.
Safety Awareness: Safety is a top priority for forklift operators, as they must constantly be aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents. This heightened sense of safety awareness is a valuable asset in fields like construction management, healthcare, or any role involving workplace safety and compliance.
Efficient Handling of Materials: Forklift operators are adept at handling and organizing materials efficiently, ensuring smooth flow in operations. Crucial in supply chain management, logistics planning, and inventory control, efficiency involves optimizing storage solutions, streamlining material flow, and reducing waste. You know what it means to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment
Time Management and Efficiency: Forklift operators often work in fast-paced environments where timely and efficient task completion is crucial. This skill is crucial in roles requiring the management of tight schedules and deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Operating a forklift requires a keen eye for detail to navigate tight spaces and handle goods safely. This is invaluable in roles that require precision, such as quality assurance or technical positions.
Teamwork and Communication: Forklift operators typically work as part of a larger team, communicating effectively to ensure smooth operations, essential in any collaborative work environment, enhancing team dynamics and project coordination.

Also, consider your soft skills. These are abilities you have picked up over the years, such as critical thinking skills, empathy, leadership, or analytical skills. Your interests outside of work can also give you clues about what you're good at doing and enjoy.

Do you feel invigorated by organizing, leading a team, or solving problems?

Your unique combination of skills and interests can guide you toward a fulfilling new career. And don't forget to emphasize these skills and interests when you start writing a resume or doing interviews!

If you're still feeling unsure about your talents and opportunities, consider a course to learn more about yourself. The DISC Communication ToolKit course from Unmudl helps you discover your preferred method of communication and delve into what you are all about!

Education and Training Opportunities

A new career often requires additional education or training. Flexible options such as online courses allow you to learn new skills from home. Many lead to certifications, and scholarships are often available, especially if your education ends after your high school diploma.

Community colleges understand the need for balance between work, study, and personal life for career changers.

Next, let's check out some career opportunities and a job description selection for each. Read on to find good jobs in fields that interest you. Many of these positions are a few weeks of training away!

Click to learn more about Unmudl and Amazon Original Course

Career Options in Mechatronics

Professionals in the mechatronics field are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment in industrial settings and can find jobs in high-tech manufacturing facilities, hospitals, hotels/resorts, utility companies, schools, and retail chains.

Skills you can learn starting out include:

Equipment Maintenance and Repair, along with testing mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Troubleshooting and understanding technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
Ability to inspect mechanical components of vehicles or equipment to identify problems.
Developing equipment or component configurations.
Installing machine or equipment replacement parts.
Adjusting equipment to ensure optimal performance.

If any of these skills sounds exciting or interesting to you, it's worth checking out courses that can help you achieve a paying job in the exciting new field of mechatronics!

Mechatronics Education and Certification

Consider online and on-demand offerings in mechatronics -take these courses in your own time and at your own pace. Some companies will even pay for your course of study after the fact!

FREE TRIAL Mechatronics Courses: Start a mechatronics course for free!! Any progress you make in the free trial can be transferred if you choose to purchase the course. No credit card is needed, so start making progress toward a job-ready certificate without any financial commitment!
Introduction to Mechatronics
Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance - Level II
Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance Level II - Virtual Lab
Principles of Control Systems
Unmudl Short: Electrical Systems 1
Beginner's Guide to the Internet of Things: The internet of things includes video doorbells, automated thermostats, and much more! For more in-depth discussion about how to enter this field and the related positions, check out our blog, "Beginner's Guide to the Internet of Things."

Companies like General Mills, General Foods, Target, Frontier Airlines, Black + Decker, and other advanced manufacturing companies hire critical roles in mechatronics straight from these classes!

Mechatronics Positions

Here are 5 mechatronics positions and the salaries you might expect to earn in these positions:

Mechatronics Engineer: Average salary is approximately $87,434.
Mechatronics Technician: Average salary is around $60,360 per year. Check out our blog, "How to Get Certified as an Automation Systems Specialist," to learn more about how to break into this position without the 4-year degree! "Automation Systems Specialists work at the crossroads of innovation and efficiency, which makes them highly sought-after professionals. For those fascinated by the fusion of technology and practical application, becoming a certified Automation Systems Specialist is a gateway to a world of opportunities."
Automation Engineer (specializing in Mechatronics): Typically earns between $55,360 and $166,050, depending on experience and location.
Robotics Engineer (with Mechatronics expertise): Expect salaries from $60,980 to $163,520, depending on their experience and the complexity of the work.
Systems Engineer (Mechatronics focus): Wide salary range, with top earners making around $115,991 annually.

These salaries reflect the diverse opportunities and financial rewards available in the field of mechatronics. The actual salary can vary based on factors like location, industry, and individual qualifications.

a person on a forklift with boxes in a warehouse

Career Options in Logistics and Warehousing

Your prior experience as a forklift operator has given you a unique insight into the logistics and warehousing industry. This experience can be a stepping stone to various roles in this field. Consider positions like logistics coordinator or warehouse manager.

These roles involve overseeing operations, managing inventory, and ensuring efficient product distribution. Your hands-on experience with forklifts provides a practical understanding of warehouse workflows. This knowledge is invaluable in these positions.

Additionally, your familiarity with safety protocols and other equipment handling can set you apart from other candidates. These roles offer more responsibility and the opportunity to impact the broader operations of a company.

Consider these educational opportunities to fill in skills gaps:

Logistics and Warehousing Positions

Here are five career options in the field of Logistics and Warehousing, along with their general salary ranges based on national statistics:

Warehouse Logistics Specialist: The national average salary is $33,582 per year.
Logistics Manager: Typically earns an average salary of around $89,210 per year.
Logistics Specialist: Average base salary ranges from $53,060 to $66,155
Operations Manager in Shipping, Transportation, Warehousing, or Logistics: Operations Managers in this sector earn between $53,000 and $101,000, with an average salary of $75,131.
Logisticians: The median annual wage for logisticians was $77,520 as of May 2022.

These salaries reflect the diverse opportunities and financial rewards available in the field of logistics and warehousing. The actual salary can vary based on factors like location, industry, and individual qualifications.

Transitioning to Sales and Customer Service

If you enjoy interacting with people and have a knack for communication, consider a career in sales or customer service. These roles are crucial in every industry, including the industrial and warehousing sectors.

Your background as a forklift operator gives you an edge. You understand the products and the operational challenges your clients might face. In sales, you could leverage your knowledge in the manufacturing field to better explain product benefits and tailor solutions to customer needs.

In addition, your firsthand experience within the inner workings of manufacturing and warehousing can help you empathize with clients and resolve their issues effectively. These roles offer dynamic work environments and opportunities to build strong professional relationships.

Consider these courses from Unmudl to fill in any skills gaps you're facing:

Business & Professional Communication
Improve Your Sales, Presentations and Branding
Budtender Training (In case you want to try your hand at selling in another field entirely!)

Sales and Customer Service Careers

Here are five career opportunities in the field of Sales and Customer Service, along with their general salary ranges based on national statistics:

Customer Service and Sales Representative: Average salary is approximately $53,510 per year.
Sales Representative: Median salary of $63,230 in 2022. Top 25% earned $93,280, while lowest-paid made $47,220. (US News Best Jobs)
Sales Support Specialist: Average salary is $50,782, with salaries ranging between $31,000 and $82,000.
Inside Sales Representative: Average salary in 2024 is around $49,381.
Customer Support Representative: Average salary for a Customer Support Representative is $48,375.

These salaries reflect the diverse opportunities and financial rewards available in the sales and customer service sectors. The actual salary can vary based on factors like location, industry, and individual qualifications.

Opportunities in Health and Safety

The health and safety sector offers a rewarding career path, especially for those with experience in physically demanding jobs like forklift operations. Your first hand understanding of warehouse environments and machinery makes you a valuable asset in this field. Roles in workplace health and safety focus on creating and maintaining safe work conditions.

This can include conducting safety training, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Your practical experience gives you a unique perspective on potential hazards and effective safety practices. This career path not only leverages your past experience but also contributes to the well-being of others in similar work environments. It's a meaningful way to make a significant impact in the workplace.

Check out our blog "Mechatronics in Healthcare: Industry Insights and Outlook" for more detailed information about mechatronics career opportunities in healthcare.

Here are five career opportunities in the field of Health and Safety, along with their general salary ranges based on national statistics:

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: Average base salary is from $77,037 to $87,338, with an average of $82,755.
Environmental Health and Safety Officer: Average salary is around $90,027 per year.
Occupational Health and Safety Manager: Average salary is $90,406 per year.
Health and Safety Specialist: Average salary is $85,098 per year.
General Health/Safety Professional: Average salary is $75,633 per year.

These salaries reflect the diverse opportunities and financial rewards available in the health and safety sector. The actual salary can vary based on factors like location, industry, and individual qualifications.

Exploring Entrepreneurship

Have you ever considered starting your own business? Entrepreneurship could be a thrilling next step in your career. With your background in forklift operation and knowledge of warehousing, you have a solid foundation to build upon. You could start a business related to logistics, warehousing solutions, or even a consultancy offering expertise in efficient warehouse management.

There are numerous resources available for aspiring entrepreneurs, including small business development centers, online courses, and local networking groups. These can provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to start and grow your business. Embracing entrepreneurship allows you to channel your skills and experience into a venture that you're passionate about, offering both personal satisfaction and professional growth.

Entrepreneurship Careers

Entrepreneurship offers a unique career path with varying income levels, largely dependent on the nature and success of the business venture. Here are some insights into the average earnings for entrepreneurs in the United States based on recent data:

General Entrepreneur: Average salary is approximately $87,469 per year.
Entrepreneur (Broad Range): Average of around $70,849.
Entrepreneur (Various Levels): Average salary varies significantly, with entry-level starting at $60,000 per year and more experienced individuals earning upwards of $85,779 annually.
High-Earning Entrepreneur: In some regions, such as San Jose, CA, entrepreneurs can earn significantly more, with average total compensation reaching $223,265. Comparably
National Average for Entrepreneurs: The national average salary is around $117,729 per year. Glassdoor

It's crucial to note that entrepreneurship salaries can vary greatly depending on the:

Industry
Location
Scale of the business
Success of the enterprise

Unlike traditional salaried positions, entrepreneurial income can fluctuate and often reflects the risk and reward nature of starting and running a business.

Unmudl Can Help

Whether it's furthering your education, stepping into a role in logistics and warehousing, transitioning to sales and customer service, focusing on health and safety, or even starting your own business, the possibilities are vast for forklift operators looking for a career change.

Unmudl® Your Future with our network of community colleges offering online and on-demand courses.

Some of our courses in mechatronics have been created in collaboration with a Fortune 500 company. Many top companies hire directly from our offerings!

And, we offer FREE trials in mechatronics to help you get started (with no credit card required)!

With Unmudl, we offer:

No testing. No entrance exams. No application fees.
Access to in-person classes, instructors, and campus facilities, or find the online and on-demand offerings you need!
Select courses that are eligible for GI BILL & WIOA funding. Other courses may offer scholarships from businesses once you work with them for a set amount of time.
Pick and choose your favorite community college by area or subject toward a degree, certification, or license.

Get in touch with us today at 512-669-5624 or hello@unmudl.com and find your new and exciting career path! We're here to help and would also love to chat on our Unmudl site about the possibilities with you!

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Unmudl Skills Team

The Unmudl Skills Team is a team of experts with decades of experience in helping learners acquire the skills needed to secure meaningful employment in the workforce.

Tired of Being a Forklift Operator? Here are Career Change Ideas

Key Takeaways

Leaving a Career As a Forklift Driver for the Right Reasons

Exploring New Career Paths Beyond Forklift Operators

Education and Training Opportunities