     
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  TDT training was excellent, I learned a lot about new skills and driving skills all thanks David Allan was an absolute legend and tought me every thing I needed to know about being a safe and responsible truck driver/opoprater TDT is the place to go for all your skill upgrades as they have so many courses to choose from.
   Tom Smith 
 9 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  David Allan is a fantastic instructor; I was nervous at first, but he put me completely at ease and was incredibly helpful in getting my license. Thanks for everything, David.
   Baki Öztürk 
 8 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Scott was a great instructor, very informative and helpful.
   Ben Kyval 
 6 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Had an absolutely amazing day with David. He took amazing care the whole way throughout the day.  He made me feel at ease and explained everything with his calming and enjoyable personality. I learned so much from him.  This is the man!!
Time to hit the road.
   Ben Gerrard 
 6 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had a great experience with David Allan and Vanessa. Vanessa handled the whole process from start to finish very smoothly and professionally, and she was always helpful and easy to communicate with.

David was an excellent HR truck driving instructor. He was very supportive, patient and positive throughout the training. He explained everything clearly and made sure I felt confident behind the wheel.

I highly recommend David and Vanessa to anyone looking for professional, supportive and friendly service. Thank you both for making the whole experience so smooth!
   Yagnik Kalathiya 
 5 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Absolutely awesome service from start to finish! David Allan was an absolute legend of an instructor. I came in very nervous but by the end of the day, I was driving a truck no problem at all. From the tips and tricks that make driving a very large vehicle like you’re handling a car, to his overall personality. 10/10!
Celine was also very good making the booking seamless and easy. Kudos to TDT and all staff. Thank you very much!
   Michael Seno 
 5 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  recently completed my HR licence training with TDT Training and had a great experience from start to finish.
A special mention to Ron, the instructor, who was extremely knowledgeable, patient and professional throughout the training. He explained everything clearly, took the time to answer questions and made sure I understood what I was doing before moving on. His experience and teaching style made the training much easier and more enjoyable.
I feel much more confident in my driving skills and knowledge after completing the course. I would definitely recommend TDT Training to anyone looking to obtain their HR licence, and especially recommend Ron as an instructor.
Thanks to Ron and the team at TDT
Training for a great experience.
   Racheal Koeleman 
 3 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Completed HR training and test with Ron H.
During training Ron was clear and articulate with instruction, answered questions simply and provided specific feedback about performance. The training period provided me with lots of time behind the wheel, so I could complete the test with confidence.
Admin team were also great with communication.
   Brandon Isaac 
 2 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  my trainer scott had me for my hc no synco license he made it so easy explained everything in good detail and helped me process and pass my license
   mitchell steer 
 1 October 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Thank you so much TDT!

I booked my HR truck license training with Vanessa from TDT and was assessed by David.

Smooth bookings - No hassle at all.

If you’re anything like me before a test (nervous) don’t be! David is a really knowledgeable trainer with years of experience under his belt. His instructions were very clear and his step-by-step guide will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed! Felt like working with a mate for a day!

Do not miss this opportunity to up-skill with TDT. Get in touch with Vanessa, request for David. Happy days ;)
   Ata F 
 29 September 2026

Forklift Driver Salaries & Jobs A Guide 2026

Published: March 24, 2026

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A forklift driver operates forklifts to move and stack goods. In Australia, forklift operators are commonly employed in logistics, manufacturing, and wholesale industries to transport products. Pay varies based on experience, shift work, and the type of forklift used, and most operators must hold a high risk work licence issued by the state regulator.

This guide explains:

What forklift drivers do and where they work
Average forklift driver salaries in Australia and Melbourne
Breaks down forklift pay rates and higher-pay roles
Explains how to get a forklift licence in Victoria
Answers common questions about forklift training and careers

Forklift Operator Role Overview

A forklift operator is a worker who uses a forklift to move heavy goods in workplaces such as warehouses, factories, timber yards, and shipping terminals. Forklift drivers play an important role in supply chains by helping businesses store, load, and transport products safely and efficiently.

In Australia, forklift drivers operate forklifts to move bulk materials, containers, crates, palletised goods and cartons within workplaces.

What Does a Forklift Drive Do?

Forklift operators move and stack goods while following workplace safety rules. Their work helps warehouses and factories keep products organised and ready for delivery.

Common Duties

Typical forklift driver duties include:

Lifting and stacking goods using forklift forks
Moving pallets and materials to storage areas or loading docks
Organising warehouse storage so orders can be picked efficiently
Inspecting forklifts and checking gauges and controls
Reporting equipment damage or mechanical issues
Following workplace traffic management and pedestrian safety rules

Common Workplaces

Forklift operators work in many industries that handle goods and materials.

Major industries employing forklift drivers in Australia include:

Transport, postal and warehousing
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade

These industries rely on forklifts to move products efficiently through supply chains.

Why Forklift Drivers Are Important

They help businesses move goods safely and efficiently. Without trained forklift drivers, warehouses and factories would struggle to store products, load trucks, and deliver orders on time.

Forklift Driver Salary in Australia

Forklift driver pay in Australia generally ranges between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on experience, shift times, and the type of work environment.

Many forklift operators are paid hourly, and earnings can increase through overtime, penalty rates, and specialised roles.

In Melbourne and Victoria, forklift drivers commonly earn around $34-$35 per hour on average.

Average Forklift Driver Salary in Australia

Typical forklift driver earnings include:

Average salary range: $70,000 – $80,000 per year
Median weekly earnings: about $1,340
Median hourly earnings: about $35
Average full-time hours: around 42 hours per week

Actual pay can be higher for workers in night shifts, cold storage warehouses, or high volume distribution centres.

Average Forklift Driver Salary in Melbourne

Forklift driver salaries in Melbourne are similar to national averages.

Typical figures include:

Typical salary range: $70,000 – $75,000 per year
Average salary estimate: about $73,840
Average hourly pay: around $30-$40

Shift penalties and overtime can increase real earnings.

Forklift Driver Pay by Experience Level

Forklift driver pay usually increases with experience and equipment skills.

1. Entry-Level Forklift Driver

Typical pay: $30 – $34 per hour

Common roles include:

Storeperson
Warehouse assistant
Counterbalance forklift operator

These jobs often combine forklift work with picking, packing, and stock handling.

2. Experienced Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $34 – $38 per hour

Common roles include:

Warehouse operator
High-reach forklift driver

These roles often involve pallet stacking and racking in busy distribution centres.

3. Specialised or Shift Forklift Roles

Typical pay: $38 – $43 per hour or more

Examples include:

Cold storage forklift operator
Night shift warehouse operator
Distribution centre forklift driver

Higher pay often comes from shift penalties and specialised environments.

Forklift Driver Salary Bands in Victoria

Typical forklift driver pay bands in Victoria include:

Victorian Pay Band	Typical Roles	Hourly Pay	Approx Per Month	Approx Per Year
Entry / Mixed Duties	Storeperson + forklift	$30-$34	$4,940-$5,599	$59,280-$67,184
Standard Warehouse Operator	High-reach / counterbalance forklift	$34-$38	$5,599-$6,257	$67,184-$75,088
Shift / Specialised Roles	Cold store / night shift	$38-$43	$6,257-$7,081	$75,088-$84,968

Monthly estimates assume 38 ordinary hours per week and exclude overtime and penalties.

Casual Forklift Driver Pay Rate in Victoria

Casual forklift roles are very common in Melbourne warehouses.

Typical casual pay rates include:

$30-$34 per hour – storeperson or forklift roles
$34-$38 per hour – high-reach forklift operators
About $36 per hour – day shift roles
Around $40 per hour – afternoon shifts
$39-$42 per hour – freezer or cold-storage warehouses

Casual workers usually receive a 25% casual loading.

How Forklift Driver Pay Is Structured

Forklift wages often include several components:

Base hourly rate
Casual loading (often 25%)
Shift penalties
Overtime pay
Weekend penalty rates
Allowances for specialised environments

These factors explain why forklift pay varies between workplaces.

Highest Paying Forklift Jobs in Australia

Some forklift roles pay more due to specialised equipment or demanding environments.

High-Reach Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $34-$38+ per hour

Common in large distribution centres.

Cold Storage Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $39-$43 per hour

These roles involve working in freezer warehouses.

Container Yard Forklift Operator

Typical pay: $38-$45 per hour

Often found in freight depots and container yards.

Distribution Centre Shift Operator

Typical pay: $36-$43 per hour

Large logistics warehouses often operate 24-hour shifts.

Skills Needed to Be a Forklift Driver

Successful forklift drivers usually have:

Good spatial awareness
Strong attention to safety procedures
Ability to work in busy warehouse environments
Basic equipment inspection skills
Communication skills for working with warehouse teams

How to Become a Forklift Driver in Victoria

To work as a forklift operator in Victoria you must hold a high risk work licence issued by WorkSafe Victoria.

Basic requirements include:

Be 18 years or older
Complete forklift training
Pass the licence assessment
Apply for the WorkSafe forklift licence

Forklift Licence Types in Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria issues several licence classes.

LF – Forklift Truck Licence

Covers most standard forklifts used in warehouses.

LO – Order-Picking Forklift Licence

Required for forklifts that lift the operator while picking stock.

TV – Telehandler Licence

Used for non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes.

How to Get a Forklift Licence in Victoria

Steps include:

Choose the correct licence class (usually LF)
Complete training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Pass the forklift theory and practical assessment
Apply for the licence within 60 days
Provide identity documents and pay the licence fee

After approval you will receive a digital licence and a plastic card.

How Long a Forklift Licence Lasts

A forklift high risk work licence in Victoria is valid for five years.

You must renew the licence before it expires to continue performing high-risk work.

Building a Forklift Career in Melbourne

Forklift driving can be a stable career because many industries rely on logistics and warehouse workers.

Operators can increase their earnings by:

Learning high-reach forklifts
Working shift or overtime rosters
Moving into large distribution centres
Adding additional high-risk licences

Pros and Cons of a Forklift Driving Career

Advantages

Transferable skills across multiple industries
Strong demand in logistics and warehousing
Shift work and overtime can increase income
Relatively low barrier to entry

Challenges

Forklift work is considered high risk
Operators must stay alert to pedestrians and warehouse traffic
Some workplaces are cold, noisy, or fast-paced

Forklift Licence Cost in Victoria

Forklift training in Victoria usually costs $300 to $600, depending on the training provider.

Typical costs include:

Training Component	Typical Cost
Forklift training course	$300-$500
Assessment	Often included
WorkSafe licence application fee	Separate government fee
Total typical cost	$350-$600

Most forklift training courses take one to two days.

Book Your Forklift Licence Course Today

Resources

Key sources used for pay, duties, and licensing (all accessed March 2026):

SEEK salary insights for forklift driver roles (Melbourne and Australia-wide) and how SEEK compiles salary insights. [39]
Indeed hourly pay benchmarks for forklift operators (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). [40]
Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile for forklift drivers (tasks, industries, median earnings and hours; sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics[41] surveys and census inputs as listed on the profile). [1]
WorkSafe Victoria high risk work licence information (classes LF/LO/TV, how to apply, lodging deadlines, validity period, renewal window, fees, processing/digital licence notes). [30]
WorkSafe Victoria forklift safety guidance (training/competency expectations; legal duties including not permitting unlicensed high-risk work; traffic management separation principle). [42]
Transport Victoria guidance on forklift licensing and when a car licence is required (road/road-related areas). [38]
Safe Work Australia summary guidance on high risk work licences (age requirement, 60-day lodging principle, renewal rules, and “only do HRW you’re licensed for”). [32]
Fair Work Ombudsman text of modern awards used to explain common pay components (casual loading, shift rates, overtime, weekend penalties)—noting that the applicable award depends on the employer/industry/classification. [43]