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.
Covers most standard forklifts used in warehouses.
Required for forklifts that lift the operator while picking stock.
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.
Contact us today to find out additional information and book your course.
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]
