Minimum pay rates for forklift drivers in Northern Territory under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Storage 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.
Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
| 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.
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).
| 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 →
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 →| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Worker | $24.73/hr | $30.91/hr | $49.46/hr |
| Logistics Coordinator | $26.74/hr | $33.43/hr | $53.48/hr |
The minimum hourly rate for a forklift driver in Northern Territory 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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