Forklift Operator Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Sydney earn a median salary of $71,224 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $64,922 and $83,184. That sits 25% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 90 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 9% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↓ -8 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$64,922 – $83,184
Median: $71,224
Jun $70k
Jul $71k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $64,922 – $83,184
Overall $64k–$83k Mid $64k–$83k $62k $67k $72k $76k $81k $85k
High confidence 90 listings (-8 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 90 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 31.6% stated a salary directly. The remaining 68.4% 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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $64,922 Median  $71,224 $83,184  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Forklift operators earn $71,000 in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne alike, with Perth at $70,000 and Adelaide at $65,000. The Sydney median rose $1,224 while listings eased from 98 to 90. The $64,000 floor is the highest forklift floor in this data, so the band is compressed upward here. At 32% salary disclosure the figure is moderately supported.

Take Home Pay (based on median $71,224)

Weekly (net)
~$1,080
Monthly (net)
~$4,682
Annual (net)
~$56,185
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $79,414

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 Sydney?
Entry is $64,000, notably higher than the $59,000 to $61,000 floors elsewhere. High reach, order picker and turret licences pay above standard counterbalance work. Cold storage, dangerous goods and warehouse management system experience move operators toward the top of the band.
Is $71,224 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $71,000 a forklift operator earns 25% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,080 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Three capitals pay the identical figure, so Sydney is the hardest place to live on it. The general driver category at $73,000 is the nearest upgrade.
How much does a Senior Forklift Operator make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $83,000, reached through warehouse supervision, inventory control or dispatch coordination. Driving roles at $73,000 are lateral rather than upward. Logistics coordination is the step that opens a materially higher band.

Other roles in Sydney

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

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