Forklift Driver Early Morning Pay Rate 2026
How much does a forklift driver earn on early morning? 1.15x penalty rate under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
A forklift driver working on early morning earns $29.53/hr (15% above the base rate of $25.68/hr).
Based on the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084), Level 1 adult rate, effective 1 July 2025.
Base Rate vs Early Morning Penalty Rate
Weekday Base Rate
$25.68/hr
1.0x (no penalty)
Early Morning Penalty Rate
$29.53/hr
1.15x (+15%)
Casual Early Morning Rate
Casual forklift drivers receive their casual-loaded rate ($32.10/hr, which includes 25% casual loading) multiplied by the early morning penalty rate of 1.15x.
How the Penalty Rate Is Calculated
Start with the base hourly rate: $25.68/hr
Multiply by the early morning penalty rate: 1.15x
$25.68 x 1.15 = $29.53/hr
What the Award Says About Early Morning Work
Under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020, employees working early morning hours receive 1.15x their base rate. Early morning hours are generally defined as work performed between midnight and 6am or 7am, depending on the award. These penalties recognise the health and lifestyle impact of working unsociable hours.
Source: Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). Rates effective from 1 July 2025 following the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review.
Weekly Earnings Example
If you work 8 hours on early morning, you earn $236.26 instead of $205.44 on a weekday — that's $30.82 extra.
Weekday (8hrs)
$205.44
Early Morning (8hrs)
$236.26
Extra Earned
+$30.82
All Penalty Rates for Forklift Drivers
| Day / Time | Multiplier | Full-Time Rate | Casual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (base) | 1.0x | $25.68/hr | $32.10/hr |
| Saturday | 1.5x | $38.52/hr | $48.15/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $51.36/hr | $64.20/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $64.20/hr | $80.25/hr |
| Christmas Day | 2.5x | $64.20/hr | $80.25/hr |
| Evening | 1.15x | $29.53/hr | $36.92/hr |
| Early Morning | 1.15x | $29.53/hr | $36.92/hr |
Am I Getting the Right Penalty Rate?
Use our Penalty Rate Calculator to check your exact rate based on your award, classification level, and employment type.
Open Penalty Rate CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a forklift driver earn on early morning?
A forklift driver working on early morning earns $29.53 per hour under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020. This is 1.15x the base rate of $25.68/hr, which is 15% more than the ordinary weekday rate. Casual forklift drivers earn $36.92/hr (1.15x their casual rate of $32.10/hr).
What is the early morning penalty rate for forklift drivers?
The early morning penalty rate for forklift drivers is 1.15x the base hourly rate under the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084). For a Level 1 forklift driver, this means $29.53/hr instead of $25.68/hr. The penalty rate compensates employees for working during unsociable hours.
Do casuals get penalty rates on early morning?
Yes. Casual forklift drivers receive penalty rates on early morning. The 1.15x penalty multiplier is applied to the casual rate of $32.10/hr (which already includes 25% casual loading), giving a total of $36.92/hr. Casual employees receive both their loading and the penalty rate.
Can my employer make me work on early morning?
Your employer can roster you to work on early morning as part of your ordinary hours or as overtime, provided it aligns with the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 and your employment contract. However, you must be paid the correct penalty rate of 1.15x your base rate ($29.53/hr). If you believe your roster is unreasonable, you can raise this with your employer or contact Fair Work.
Other Early Morning Penalty Rates
Forklift Driver — Other Penalty Rates
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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