Forklift Driver Pay Rate NSW 2026-27
Forklift Drivers in New South Wales earn at least $28.77/hr (Level 3), $35.96/hr casual — about $1,093 a week full-time — under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Forklift Driver — Minimum Pay Rate (NSW)
Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084)
$28.77
Base rate/hr
$35.96
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.
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New South Wales Note
New South Wales has the highest number of Fair Work claims. Employers must display a Fair Work Information Statement.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Forklift Driver
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $28.77/hr | $1,093.26 | $56,849.52 |
| Part-time (adult) | $28.77/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $35.96/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Forklift Driver
$43.16/hr
$57.54/hr
$71.93/hr
Classification Levels — Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Forklift operator | $28.77 | $35.96 | $56,849.52 |
| Level 4 | Senior operator / leading hand | $29.61 | $37.01 | $58,509.36 |
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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Worker | $27.08/hr | $33.85/hr | $54.16/hr |
| Logistics Coordinator | $29.61/hr | $37.01/hr | $59.22/hr |
More on the Storage & Wholesale Award
Storage & Wholesale Award (MA000084) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in warehousing
- CHEP Adelaide Metro (SA) Service Centre Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Metcash Trading Limited CSD Operations (WA) Enterprise Agreement 2025
- CHEP Altona (VIC) Service Centre Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Metcash Australian Liquor Marketers Tasmania Warehousing Agreement 2025
- Cold Logic Pty Ltd NewCold C41966 Crossdock Facility Enterprise Agreement
- CROSSDOCK DISTRIBUTION CENTRES ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2026
Employer pay guides under the Storage & Wholesale Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a forklift driver get paid per hour in New South Wales?
The minimum hourly rate for a forklift driver in New South Wales is $28.77/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.96/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 3 adult rate under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a forklift driver?
The minimum wage for a forklift driver is $28.77 per hour ($1,093.26 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,849.52 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 ($43.16/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.54/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.93/hr).
What is the casual rate for a forklift driver?
The casual rate for a forklift driver is $35.96/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.77/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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