Forklift Operator Salary in Perth (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Perth earn a median salary of $70,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,449 and $80,813. That sits 30% below Perth's all-roles median of $100,000. Figures are based on 43 jobs advertised in Perth in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 72th percentile by listing volume in Perth ↑ +6 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Perth
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,449 – $80,813
Median: $70,000
Aug $69k
Sep $70k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,449 – $80,813
Overall $60k–$80k Mid $60k–$80k $58k $63k $68k $73k $78k $83k
Moderate confidence 43 listings (+6 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 43 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 30.4% stated a salary directly. The remaining 69.6% 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%  $60,449 Median  $70,000 $80,813  Top 10%

Understanding the Perth Market

The median rose $840 to $70,000 with listings up from 37 to 43. Perth now matches Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast at $70,000, with only Brisbane marginally ahead at $71,000. The national band spans $1,000, the tightest convergence of any role in this report. Against Perth's $100,000 city median it sits 30% short. At 30% salary disclosure the figure leans on estimates.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,065
Monthly (net)
~$4,615
Annual (net)
~$55,383
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,050

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 Perth?
Entry is $60,000, typically a recently licensed operator in general warehousing. High reach, order picker and turret licences pay above standard counterbalance work. Mine site and industrial logistics roles pay above retail distribution, which is the main local lever available.
Is $70,000 a good salary in Perth?
No. At $70,000 a forklift operator earns 30% below Perth's all-roles median of $100,000, with take-home near $1,065 a week. Six markets pay within $1,000 of each other, so there is nowhere better to go. Truck driving at $80,000 and MC driving at $99,000 are the licence-based upgrades that actually move the number.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Perth?
The ceiling is $80,000, which is exactly what Perth truck drivers earn as a median. Warehouse supervision, inventory control and dispatch coordination are what reach it. Heavy vehicle licensing is the more direct route to higher pay in this market, with MC driving worth $29,000 over this median.

Other roles in Perth

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

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