Forklift Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $72,124 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $83,795. That sits 24% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 57 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 21% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +13 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $83,795
Median: $72,124
May $70k
Jun $72k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $60,000 – $83,795
Overall $60k–$83k Mid $60k–$83k $58k $63k $69k $75k $80k $86k
Moderate confidence 57 listings (+13 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $72,124 $83,795  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Forklift operator pay in Melbourne is rising on strong demand, the median gained $2,124 to $72,124 while listings jumped from 44 to 57. Melbourne now tops the national table for the role, ahead of Brisbane and Sydney (both $70k) and Adelaide ($65,598). The $22,876 gap below the city's all-roles median is a sector effect, warehousing and logistics pay bands. The band ($60k to $83,795) reflects shift loadings and licence class more than negotiation.

Take Home Pay (based on median $72,124)

Weekly (net)
~$1,092
Monthly (net)
~$4,731
Annual (net)
~$56,774
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $80,418

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?
New forklift operators in Melbourne start around $60k. The lift toward the $83,795 top comes from ticket class and shift mix: high-reach or specialised licences, plus overnight and weekend penalty rates, push take-home up. A current LF or LO licence and warehouse-management-system experience are the entry differentiators.
Is $72,124 a good salary in Melbourne?
Depends. At $72,124 the median sits 24% below Melbourne's all-roles median and nets roughly $57k after tax, which is fair for warehousing given the sector's pay bands, so the gap is structural rather than a concern. Rising pay against rising demand is a genuine positive here: the role has upward momentum, and penalty-heavy shifts lift real earnings above base.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Melbourne?
Experienced operators reach the $83,795 top through specialised licences and penalty-heavy rosters. Beyond that, the ceiling lifts by moving into Storeperson-lead, Truck Driver ($79,040) or warehouse-supervisor roles, which means added licences (an HR or HC truck licence) or people-management scope rather than more hours on the forklift.

Other roles in Melbourne

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $72,124 —
Brisbane $70,000 -3%
Sydney $70,000 -3%
Adelaide $65,598 -9%

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

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.