Forklift Operator Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Melbourne earn a median salary of $70,074 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $85,000. That sits 25% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 84 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 6% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +23 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $85,000
Median: $70,074
Aug $71k
Sep $70k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $85,000
Overall $60k–$85k Mid $60k–$85k $58k $64k $69k $75k $81k $87k
High confidence 84 listings (+23 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 84 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 31.2% stated a salary directly. The remaining 68.8% 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  $70,074 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median eased $1,200 to $70,000 while listings rose 38% from 61 to 84, putting demand in the 94th percentile. Melbourne now matches Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast at $70,000, with only Brisbane marginally ahead at $71,000. The entire national band spans $1,000, the tightest convergence of any role in this report. At 31% salary disclosure the figure is moderately supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,074)

Weekly (net)
~$1,066
Monthly (net)
~$4,619
Annual (net)
~$55,431
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,132

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 $70,074 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $70,000 a forklift operator earns 25.3% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $1,066 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Six markets pay within $1,000 of each other, so Melbourne is the hardest place to live on it. Truck driving at $74,000 is the clearest upgrade available.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $85,000, reached through warehouse supervision, inventory control or dispatch coordination. Truck driving at $74,000 and storeperson work at $65,000 sit below this ceiling, so internal promotion does beat a lateral move here. Logistics coordination is the step that opens a materially higher band.

Other roles in Melbourne

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

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