Forklift Driver Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences
Find out the average forklift driver salary in Australia, how it compares to the national line, and how pay varies by state and industry.
The median full-time forklift driver salary is $1,340 per week, giving an index of about 64 against the national line of 100.
What is a forklift driver salary?
A forklift driver salary is the pay a worker receives for operating forklifts to move materials, containers, and palletised goods. In Australia, this occupation is classified under ANZSCO 7213. Understanding where this salary sits against the national line helps you see how it compares to other jobs and the broader economy.
National median earnings
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for forklift drivers are $1,340 before tax. That annualises to roughly $69,680. The median hourly rate is $35. These figures are for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate.
To put that in perspective, the national line (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings) is $108,352 per year, or index 100. A forklift driver on the median earns an index of about 64 – meaning they take home about 64% of the benchmark. That’s above the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($52,255 per year) but below the all-occupations median of $96,304 (index 89).
How the index works
The Salary Index compares a yearly gross salary to the national line. If your forklift driver salary is $69,680, divide by $108,352 and multiply by 100 to get 64.3. This shows where your pay sits relative to the average full-time worker.
State differences
Forklift drivers are employed across all states and territories. The largest shares are in Victoria (31.3%), New South Wales (27.7%), and Queensland (20.3%). Western Australia has 12.1%, South Australia 6.6%, and smaller numbers in Tasmania, the NT, and the ACT.
State-level earnings for all occupations vary. For example, the states page shows WA at index 106.9 and ACT at 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A forklift driver in WA might earn above the national median due to higher award rates or demand in mining and logistics. However, the median figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is national – state-specific medians for forklift drivers are not published.
Award coverage also differs. Many forklift drivers fall under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award or the Transport and Logistics Award. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains minimum rates for each classification. From 1 July 2026, award minima rose by 4.75%, so base rates are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
Industry differences
Forklift drivers work mainly in three industries:
- Transport, Postal and Warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
Each industry has its own pay profile. For instance, the industries page shows Mining at index 154.7 and Retail Trade at 75.9. Forklift drivers in manufacturing or warehousing may earn closer to the national median, while those in retail logistics might be on lower award rates. The median hourly rate of $35 is above the retail award floor but below the professional services average.
Casual and permanent pay
About 87% of forklift drivers work full-time. Casual employees receive a loading – typically 25% on top of the base rate. For example, if the award minimum is $26.44 per hour, a casual would get $33.05. The median $35 per hour suggests many drivers are permanent or receive above-award rates.
Superannuation and tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. On a $69,680 salary, that’s about $8,362 added to super each year. For tax, a resident earning $69,680 in 2026–27 would pay roughly:
- Nil on first $18,200
- 15% on $18,201 to $45,000 = $4,020
- 30% on $45,001 to $69,680 = $7,404
- Plus 2% Medicare levy = $1,394 Total tax about $12,816, leaving about $56,864 after tax plus Medicare levy. Take-home per week about $1,092.
How to find your exact rate
Your actual forklift driver salary depends on your award classification, experience, and location. Check the pay guides for award rates or use the topics page for more comparisons. The Salary Index lets you calculate your own index.
Summary
The typical forklift driver salary in Australia sits at index 64, well above the minimum wage but below the all-occupations median. State and industry factors can shift that number. Whether you’re negotiating a new job or reviewing your pay, understanding the index helps you see where you stand.
Questions people ask
What is the average forklift driver salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for forklift drivers are $1,340, which translates to about $69,680 per year before tax. This is below the national all-occupations median of $1,852 per week. Hourly, the median is $35, compared to $47 for all occupations.
How does a forklift driver salary compare to the national line?
The national line (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings) is $108,352 per year, set at index 100. A forklift driver earning the median of $69,680 has an index of about 64. This means the typical forklift driver earns roughly 64% of the national benchmark. It is above the national minimum wage index of 48.2.
Do forklift driver salaries vary by state or industry?
Yes. Most forklift drivers work in Victoria (31.3%), NSW (27.7%), and Queensland (20.3%). Pay can differ due to award rates and cost of living. For example, the Storage Services and Wholesale Award covers many drivers, and state-specific wage indices show WA at 106.9 and ACT at 109.9, suggesting higher overall earnings in those states. Industries like Transport and Manufacturing dominate employment.