Forklift Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $70,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $79,089. That sits 24% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $91,520. Figures are based on 44 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 68th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -3 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $79,089
Median: $70,000
Apr $70k
May $70k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $60,000 – $79,089
Overall $60k–$79k Mid $60k–$79k $58k $62k $67k $72k $76k $81k
Moderate confidence 44 listings (-3 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $70,000 $79,089  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne Forklift Operators earned $70,000 in May, unchanged from April, with 44 listings (down 3). Melbourne leads all cities for this role at $70,000. The 27% spread from $60k to $79k is the tightest in the dataset, reflecting a mature and standardised logistics labour market. At 23.5% below Melbourne's all-roles median, this is well below market for a high-cost city.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,065
Monthly (net)
~$4,615
Annual (net)
~$55,383
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,050

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Forklift Operator in Melbourne?
Entry-level Forklift Operators in Melbourne earn $60,000 to $70,000 at the mid level (44 listings). A valid LF licence is mandatory. Melbourne's large distribution centres in Dandenong, Laverton, and Truganina are the primary employers, and shift flexibility (afternoon or night shifts) typically attracts a 15-25% penalty rate uplift to base.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
At $70,000 and 23.5% below Melbourne's all-roles median, this is a below-market salary for a high-cost city. Melbourne's rent makes $70k a tight budget. Delivery Driver roles in Melbourne pay $60,000, confirming the forklift licence adds a $10,000 premium over driving work. Storeperson roles pay $64,220.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Melbourne?
Melbourne Forklift Operators cap around $79,089 at the p90. Senior roles with multiple equipment endorsements (reach truck, order picker, very narrow aisle) or WMS coordination responsibilities reach the ceiling. Moving into a warehouse team leader or logistics administrator function provides access to $80,000 to $90,000.

Other roles in Melbourne

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $70,000 —
Brisbane $69,160 ~same
Sydney $68,404 ~same
Adelaide $61,616 -12%

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.