Forklift Operator Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Adelaide earn a median salary of $70,814 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $80,737. That sits 12% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,749. Figures are based on 50 jobs advertised in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 7% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +19 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $80,737
Median: $70,814
Aug $65k
Sep $70k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $60,000 – $80,737
Overall $60k–$80k Mid $60k–$80k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $83k
Moderate confidence 50 listings (+19 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 50 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 28.8% stated a salary directly. The remaining 71.2% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $70,814 $80,737  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Adelaide has caught up. The median rose $5,814 to $70,000, bringing it level with Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and the Gold Coast after months at the bottom of the national band. Listings jumped from 31 to 50, so pay and demand moved together, and demand now sits in the 93rd percentile. The 29% spread is narrow, confirming that the licence rather than experience sets the rate. Only 29% of listings stated a salary.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,814)

Weekly (net)
~$1,075
Monthly (net)
~$4,660
Annual (net)
~$55,916
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,957

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 is $60,000, typically a recently licensed operator in general warehousing. High reach, order picker and turret licences pay above standard counterbalance work. Cold chain, dangerous goods and warehouse management system experience are what move operators toward the top of the band.
Is $70,814 a good salary in Adelaide?
No, but it has improved. At $70,000 a forklift operator earns 12.3% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000, with take-home near $1,075 a week and the lowest living costs of the mainland capitals. It now matches every other capital nominally, which it did not last month. On take-home that makes Adelaide the strongest forklift market in the country.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Adelaide?
The ceiling is $80,000, reached through warehouse supervision, inventory control or dispatch coordination. Truck driving at $80,000 pays the same as this ceiling, so a heavy vehicle licence is worth more than internal promotion. Logistics coordination is the step that opens a materially higher band.

Other roles in Adelaide

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $70,814 0%
Brisbane $71,136 ~same
Sydney $70,148 ~same
Melbourne $70,074 ~same
Gold Coast $70,000 ~same

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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.