Forklift Operator Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated 05/07/2026

Forklift Operators in Adelaide earn a median salary of $65,598 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $82,676. That sits 18% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 25% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +6 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$60,000 – $82,676

Median: $65,598

May $61k

Jun $65k

↑ Trending up

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

Mid level

$60,000 – $82,676

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 $65,598 $82,676 Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Forklift operator pay in Adelaide rose this month, from $61,616 to $65,598, one of the clearer upward moves in the batch, though it remains the lowest of any capital for the role: Melbourne pays $72,124 and Sydney $70,000. Against Adelaide's $80k all-roles median it sits 18% low. Demand is strong at 75% of tracked roles and 38 listings, so the work is steadily available even as pay lags the eastern states.

Take Home Pay (based on median $65,598)

Weekly (net)

~$1,010

Monthly (net)

~$4,376

Annual (net)

~$52,516

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $73,141

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 Adelaide?

Entry operators in Adelaide start near the $60k band floor. The lift comes from licence breadth and setting: high-reach, order-picker, and container-handling tickets, plus warehouse-management-system experience, pay more than a basic counterbalance role. Cold-store, dangerous-goods, or defence-logistics environments in Adelaide command a premium toward the $82,676 top of the band.

Is $65,598 a good salary in Adelaide?

Depends. At $65,598 the role runs 18% below Adelaide's all-roles median and nets about $52,500, though Adelaide's low housing costs help, and the rising trend is a positive. This is normal pay for licensed operating work rather than a concern. The clearer path to more money is interstate: Melbourne and Sydney both pay several thousand more for the same tickets.

How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Adelaide?

There is no senior band, so the range caps at about $82,676. Progression means a warehouse team-leader or storeperson-supervisor role, or specialised high-value handling (containers, heavy plant). Truck Driver work in Adelaide reaches $80k, so a heavy-vehicle licence is the clearest single upgrade from forklift operating.

Other roles in Adelaide

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page)	$65,598	—
Melbourne	$72,124	+10%
Brisbane	$70,000	+7%
Sydney	$70,000	+7%

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