Home > Salary > South Africa > Forklift Operator
A forklift operator is responsible for operating a forklift to move, stack, and arrange materials in a warehouse or industrial setting. They handle loading and unloading of goods, ensuring that they are placed in the correct locations. Forklift operators are skilled in maneuvering the forklift safely and efficiently, following strict safety protocols. They inspect and maintain the forklift, report any malfunctions or damages, and may assist in inventory control by keeping track of incoming and outgoing materials. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and good hand-eye coordination are essential for this role.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,160 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,013 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,618 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,775 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,563 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,211 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 351 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 81 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,160 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,013 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,618 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 ZAR per hour
By working as Forklift Operator a person can save up to 80 USD per month or 957 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Forklift Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
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Forklift Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Forklift Operator in South Africa is approximately 84,160 ZAR (4,211 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Forklift Operator do?
A forklift operator is responsible for operating a forklift to move, stack, and arrange materials in a warehouse or industrial setting. They handle loading and unloading of goods, ensuring that they are placed in the correct locations. Forklift operators are skilled in maneuvering the forklift safely and efficiently, following strict safety protocols. They inspect and maintain the forklift, report any malfunctions or damages, and may assist in inventory control by keeping track of incoming and outgoing materials. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and good hand-eye coordination are essential for this role.
Skills: Forklift operator, Warehouse operations, Material handling, Industrial equipment, Safety protocols, Inventory control.
Job industry: Transportation
Job industry: Transportation
How much does Forklift Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Forklift Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,160 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,013 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,618 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 81,300 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 6,775 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,563 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 39 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03Forklift Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,211 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 351 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 81 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Forklift Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Forklift Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.66 times the average salary (or 66% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Forklift Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Forklift Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.66 times the average salary (or 66% of average salary).
Is Forklift Operator a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Forklift Operator is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Forklift Operator might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Forklift Operator?
High salary for Forklift Operator would be somewhere between 92,576 ZAR and 122,032 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Forklift Operator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 84,160 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,013 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,618 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 40 ZAR per hour
By working as Forklift Operator a person can save up to 80 USD per month or 957 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Forklift Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
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Data as of 2025Random salary:
Electrical test technician (101,564 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Banquet chef (115,533 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Drone operator (132,686 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Sap security administrator (192,980 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Electrical engineering manager (335,480 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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