Forklift jobs in Roanoke, VA
Forklift and reach truck operators in Roanoke earn real hourly pay of $17.45 to $21, with weekly paychecks and free placement through Lingo Staffing.
What the pay really means
The $17.45 low end is a real starting wage for entry-level forklift work in the Roanoke area, based on 35 actual Lingo placements, so it's a solid floor even if you're new to this. Most workers land around $18.72 an hour once they have some warehouse experience. The $21 high end usually goes to operators who run reach trucks well, hold a current certification, and have a steady work history.
Forklift jobs in Roanoke right now
No forklift jobs are listed in Roanoke at this moment. See all Roanoke openings below, or send your resume and we will reach out when one opens.
No Roanoke openings are listed at this moment. New jobs post most days — send us your resume or call the branch and a recruiter will match you when the next one opens.
What the work actually looks like
You'll run a sit-down, stand-up, or reach truck to move and stage pallets around a warehouse or plant floor. That includes loading and unloading trailers, doing cycle counts, put-away work, and following safety and inspection checks before and during your shift. Around Roanoke, this kind of work happens in manufacturing plants (beverage, transformers, steel), building materials facilities, and warehousing operations. The exact tasks depend on the employer, but the core skills stay the same: safe driving, careful handling, and paying attention to detail.
Pay, shifts, and what you need
Pay runs $17.45 to $21 an hour and comes weekly, no matter which shift you work. First, second, and third shift roles all exist in the Roanoke area, so you can find something that fits your schedule. A current forklift certification helps you land higher pay, but it's not always required — some employers will certify the right candidate on the job. Many roles need no prior experience at all, especially if you're willing to learn.
How to start this week
Working with Lingo is always free, and roles here are temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct-hire depending on the employer. Check the live list of current Roanoke openings on this page — it updates daily, so what you see today reflects what's actually available right now. You can apply through Lingo's online job board or walk into the Roanoke branch at 5102 Williamson Rd, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. If you'd rather talk to someone first, call (540) 904-5520 — the branch also serves Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Vinton, and the New River Valley.
What the work involves
- Operating sit-down, stand-up, or reach trucks
- Moving and staging pallets
- Loading and unloading trailers
- Cycle counts and put-away
- Following safety and inspection procedures
What it takes: A current forklift certification helps; some employers will certify the right candidate.
Straight answers
Do I need a forklift certification to apply?
It helps and can push your pay toward the higher end of the range, but it's not always required. Some Roanoke-area employers will certify the right candidate once you're hired.
Are these jobs temporary or permanent?
Both — Lingo places people in temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire forklift roles around Roanoke. The mix of openings changes daily, so check the live list on this page to see what's currently available.
How does pay work if I get placed?
You get paid weekly, and real placements for this role in Roanoke have ranged from $17.45 to $21 an hour. Where you land in that range depends on your experience, certification, and the specific employer.
What areas does the Roanoke branch cover?
Lingo's Roanoke branch places workers across Roanoke and Montgomery counties, including Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Vinton, plus the wider New River Valley. Walk in at 5102 Williamson Rd or call (540) 904-5520 to ask what's close to you.
Ready to work?
Apply online in minutes or come by the office. Weekly pay, no fees, a local team that picks up the phone.