Forklift operator salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a forklift operator job in Australia is $30.88 per hour. This pay rate may be dependent on factors such as how much experience the person has, the industry they work in and the geographic location of their employer.

What qualities make a good forklift operator?

A good forklift operator has strong technical skills and a solid understanding of the machinery they use. Basic maths skills are important, as they may need to calculate loads and understand the amounts on a bill of lading. Other important qualities are a commitment to safety, good communication skills, flexibility and reliability. A good forklift operator must be able to adapt to the constantly changing priorities in a fast-paced logistics environment. Getting to work on time and meeting deadlines is also incredibly important, as unreliable forklift operators can disrupt the entire supply chain.

Do forklift operators need a driver’s licence to operate a forklift?

Generally, the answer is no, forklift operators are not required to hold a driver’s licence to operate a forklift in Australia. However, if the forklift is driven on a public road or in a public space, the driver must have a valid driver’s licence and the forklift must be registered, i.e. it must have number plates.

What is the difference between a forklift operator and a warehouse assistant?

Warehouse assistants often also drive forklifts. However, they usually perform a broader range of tasks in warehouses than forklift operators. In addition to forklift driving, daily tasks for a warehouse assistant may include anything from picking, packing and dispatching customer orders to tracking inventory, stocking shelves or maintaining the cleanliness of a warehouse. In comparison, driving a forklift is a core part of a forklift driver’s role and other tasks, such as tracking inventory and helping with packing, tend to take up much less of their time.