Forklift Operator Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Forklift Operators in Sydney earn a median salary of $70,148 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $65,000 and $85,382. That sits 26% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 107 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 5% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +22 listings vs last month
💰 Forklift Operator · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$65,000 – $85,382
Median: $70,148
Aug $71k
Sep $70k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $65,000 – $86,055
Overall $65k–$85k Mid $65k–$86k $63k $68k $73k $78k $83k $88k
High confidence 107 listings (+22 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 107 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 28.8% stated a salary directly. The remaining 71.2% 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%  $65,000 Median  $70,148 $85,382  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

The median eased $988 to $70,000 with listings up 26% from 85 to 107, putting demand in the 95th percentile. Sydney now matches Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth 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 29% salary disclosure the figure leans on estimates.

Take Home Pay (based on median $70,148)

Weekly (net)
~$1,067
Monthly (net)
~$4,623
Annual (net)
~$55,480
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $78,215

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 $65,000, the highest forklift floor in this data, which compresses the band upward. 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.
Is $70,148 a good salary in Sydney?
No. At $70,000 a forklift operator earns 26.2% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,067 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Six markets pay within $1,000, 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 $85,000, reached through warehouse supervision, inventory control or dispatch coordination. Driving roles at $73,000 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 Sydney

Forklift Operator salaries in other cities

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