Forklift Operator Salary in Australia
Transport • All 12 Major Cities
Forklift operators move materials and goods in warehouses and distribution centers.
Job Market Outlook
Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential
Job supply roughly matches candidate availability
Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Forklift Operator Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $63,800 | $52,596 |
| 2CanberraACT | $62,640 | $51,808 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $60,900 | $50,624 |
| 4DarwinNT | $60,900 | $50,624 |
| 5PerthWA | $59,160 | $49,441 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $55,100 | $46,680 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $53,360 | $45,497 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $52,200 | $44,708 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $51,040 | $43,920 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $51,040 | $43,920 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $50,460 | $43,525 |
| 12HobartTAS | $49,300 | $42,736 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Forklift Operator earn in Australia?
The average Forklift Operator salary in Australia is $55,825 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. Salaries typically range from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $79,200 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Forklift Operator?
A Forklift Operator earning the average salary of $55,825 takes home approximately $47,173 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $3,931 per month.
Where do Forklift Operators earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Forklift Operator salaries at $63,800 on average, followed by Canberra at $62,640.
Is Forklift Operator a good career in Australia?
Forklift Operator is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $55,825 is below the national median.
How much do Forklift Operators make per hour?
Forklift Operators earn approximately $28 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $21 for entry-level positions to $40 for experienced professionals.
About Forklift Operator Salaries in Australia
The average Forklift Operator salary in Australia is $55,825 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. Salaries range from $40,800 for entry-level positions to $79,200 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Forklift Operator salary at $63,800, while Hobart has the lowest at $49,300.
After tax, a Forklift Operator earning the average salary takes home $47,173 per year, or $3,931 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Forklift Operator Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $40,800, while senior roles can reach $79,200.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Forklift Operator roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.