Forklift Operator Salary in Perth (2026)

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Forklift Operators in Perth earn a median salary of $70,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $59,500 and $85,000. That sits 26% below Perth's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 30 jobs advertised in Perth in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 57th percentile by listing volume in Perth
💰 Forklift Operator · Perth
ADVERTISED RANGE
$59,500 – $85,000
Median: $70,000
Mid level $59,500 – $85,000
Overall $59k–$85k Mid $59k–$85k $57k $63k $69k $75k $81k $87k
Moderate confidence 30 listings · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 30 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 19.4% stated a salary directly. The remaining 80.6% 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. Fewer than a quarter of these listings stated a salary, so the median leans heavily on estimates.

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Bottom 10%  $59,500 Median  $70,000 $85,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Perth Market

There is no June comparison for this role, so no trend can be read yet. Perth pays forklift operators $70,000, marginally below Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne at $71,000 and above Adelaide at $65,000. That is a notable exception to Perth's usual pattern, since the resources premium that lifts trades here does not extend to warehousing. Only 19% of listings stated a salary, so treat the figure as directional.

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 $59,000, 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 26.3% below Perth's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,065 a week. Perth's mining-inflated city median makes this gap look worse than the national comparison, where the role is essentially uniform. Truck driving at $74,000 is the nearest upgrade.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Perth?
The ceiling is $85,000, the highest forklift ceiling in this data, which likely reflects mine site and industrial roles. 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.

Other roles in Perth

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Perth
Perth (this page) $70,000 0%
Sydney $71,224 ~same
Brisbane $71,136 ~same
Melbourne $71,136 ~same
Adelaide $65,000 -7%

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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.