What is the minimum wage for a forklift driver in Australia?

The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all. Most forklift drivers are covered by an award such as the Storage Services and Wholesale Award. That award sets minimum hourly rates that are higher than the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). If you are award-free, the national minimum applies. Junior, apprentice, or introductory rates may be lower. Always check your specific award or agreement using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

How does the median forklift driver salary compare to the national minimum?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time hourly earnings for forklift drivers is $35 per hour, and the median weekly earnings are $1,340. That is well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, the median is a survey average – your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on your award classification, experience, and hours.

Do forklift drivers get superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. This is paid into a super fund on your behalf and is separate from your before-tax pay. For example, if your ordinary hourly rate is $30, your employer must also contribute an extra $3.60 per hour to super.

Forklift driver salary: minimum, median and how to check your rate

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, but most forklift drivers are covered by an award that sets a higher minimum; the ABS reports a median hourly earnings of $35.

Understanding the forklift driver salary floor

When you search for "forklift driver salary", you will find a range of figures. The most important number to know is the legal minimum you must be paid. That floor depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or no award at all.

The national minimum wage

For employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive an extra 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and explained by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

However, most forklift drivers are not award-free. The occupation "Forklift Driver" (ANZSCO 7213) is typically covered by a modern award such as the Storage Services and Wholesale Award or the General Retail Industry Award. These awards set minimum pay rates that are often higher than the national minimum. The award rate is your legal minimum – your employer cannot pay you less than that, even if the national minimum is lower.

Award rates and how to find yours

The Fair Work Commission publishes the Modern Awards Pay Database, which contains the calculated minimum rates for each award classification. For example, a Level 1 forklift driver under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award may have a minimum hourly rate above $26.44. You can check your exact classification and rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. Remember that award rates increase each year following the Annual Wage Review – the 2026 increase was 4.75% for most award rates.

Some awards include introductory rates for new employees (usually the first six months). These rates can be lower than the ongoing classification rate but cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week from 1 July 2026. After the introductory period, you must move to the full classification rate.

Enterprise agreements and individual arrangements

If your workplace has an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the minimum pay and conditions. It must pass the better-off overall test compared to the underlying award. A negotiated salary can be higher than the award rate, but never lower. Always check your payslip against the correct award or agreement.

How the median forklift driver salary compares

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides a useful benchmark. In its Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time hourly earnings for forklift drivers was $35 per hour, and median weekly earnings were $1,340. That is significantly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. The median means half of forklift drivers earn more than $35 per hour and half earn less.

Keep in mind that the ABS figure is a survey average for full-time non-managerial adult workers. It does not include part-time or casual workers, nor does it reflect your individual circumstances. Your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on your award classification, years of experience, shift penalties, and overtime.

Superannuation is on top

When comparing any salary figure, remember that your employer must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions on your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. This is paid into your super fund and is not part of your take-home pay. For example, if your ordinary hourly rate is $35, your employer contributes an extra $4.20 per hour to super.

Award rates and what they mean for your pay

Award rates are not a single number. They vary by classification level, experience, and the type of work. For forklift drivers, common classifications include:

Level 1: Basic forklift operation, general warehousing duties.
Level 2: More complex tasks, possibly including order picking or operating different types of forklifts.
Level 3: Supervisory or specialist roles.

Each level has a minimum hourly rate set out in the award. You can find these rates in the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database or by using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. If you are unsure which award covers you, ask your employer or check the Fair Work Ombudsman's website.

Introductory rates

Some awards allow employers to pay an introductory rate for the first six months of employment. This rate is lower than the ongoing classification rate but cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week (from 1 July 2026). After six months, you must be paid the full classification rate.

Junior and apprentice rates

If you are under 21 and not covered by an award, the national minimum wage has junior percentages (e.g., 16-year-olds get 47.3% of the adult rate). However, most forklift drivers are covered by an award, which may have its own junior or apprentice rates. Always check your award.

Negotiating above the minimum

Your "forklift driver salary" can be higher than the award minimum. Many employers pay above award to attract experienced operators. When negotiating, consider:

Your experience and licences (e.g., high-risk work licence, different forklift types).
Shift penalties and overtime rates.
The cost of living in your area.

Remember that any negotiated salary must still meet the award minimum. If your employer offers a flat rate that is above the award, ensure it covers all ordinary hours and any penalties you would otherwise receive.

For more guidance, see our Which minimum wage applies page or explore Rate tables for award comparisons.

Final checks

To be sure you are being paid correctly:

Identify your correct award or enterprise agreement.
Find your classification level and the corresponding minimum rate.
Check that your hourly rate (including any loadings) meets or exceeds that minimum.
Confirm your super is being paid at 12% on ordinary time earnings.

If you believe you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice. This guide is for orientation only – it is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always refer to the official sources.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.