Forklift Driver Pay Rate 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for forklift drivers in Australia under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Forklift Driver — Minimum Pay Rate
Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084)
$25.68
Base rate/hr
$32.10
Casual rate/hr
Forklift drivers operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks to move, stack, and load goods in warehouses, distribution centres, and construction sites.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Forklift Driver
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | $975.84 | $50,743.68 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.68/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $32.10/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Forklift Driver
Saturday
$38.52/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$51.36/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.20/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.68/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Forklift operator | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 4 | Senior operator / leading hand | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
View full Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Forklift Driver?
Forklift drivers require a High Risk Work Licence. If you hold this licence and are classified below Level 3, you are likely being underpaid.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Forklift Driver Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Worker | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a forklift driver get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a forklift driver in Australia is $25.68/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $32.10/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a forklift driver?
The minimum wage for a forklift driver is $25.68 per hour ($975.84 per week for a 38-hour week, or $50,743.68 per year). This is set by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers forklift drivers?
Forklift Drivers are covered by the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do forklift drivers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020, forklift drivers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($38.52/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($51.36/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($64.20/hr).
What is the casual rate for a forklift driver?
The casual rate for a forklift driver is $32.10/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.68/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old forklift driver get paid?
Forklift drivers must hold a licence and are typically classified as adults regardless of age. The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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