Forklift Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $71,136 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $80,818. That sits 21% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 77 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 10% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +20 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $80,818
Median: $71,136
Jun $72k
Jul $71k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $80,818
Overall $60k–$80k Mid $60k–$80k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $83k
High confidence 77 listings (+20 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 77 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 34.6% stated a salary directly. The remaining 65.4% 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  $71,136 $80,818  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Listings rose from 57 to 77 while the median eased $988 to $71,000, matching Sydney and Brisbane exactly. Perth sits at $70,000 and Adelaide at $65,000, so the national band spans just $6,000. Demand sits in the 90th percentile, making this high-volume work at a fixed rate. At 35% salary disclosure the figure leans on estimates, though national consistency supports it.

Take Home Pay (based on median $71,136)

Weekly (net)
~$1,079
Monthly (net)
~$4,677
Annual (net)
~$56,127
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $79,316

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 is $60,000, typically a recently licensed operator in general warehousing. High reach, order picker and turret licences pay above standard counterbalance work. Cold storage, dangerous goods and warehouse management system experience are what move operators toward the top of the band.
Is $71,136 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $71,000 a forklift operator earns 21% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,079 a week against high living costs. It does pay $6,000 more than storeperson work, so the licence is worth holding. Truck driving in Melbourne at $80,000 is the clearest upgrade available.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $80,000, which is exactly what Melbourne truck drivers earn as a median. Warehouse supervision, inventory control and dispatch coordination are what reach it. A heavy vehicle licence is the more direct route, since it lifts the median rather than requiring a promotion.

Other roles in Melbourne

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $71,136 0%
Sydney $71,224 ~same
Brisbane $71,136 ~same
Perth $70,000 ~same
Adelaide $65,000 -9%

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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.