Forklift truck drivers are essential in industries like warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution. These professionals are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forklift trucks to move goods, stock, and materials within warehouses and industrial environments. If you’re considering this career path, you may wonder: How much does a forklift driver make in the UK? In this blog, we’ll explore what you can expect in terms of salary, wage expectations, and key factors that influence forklift truck driver pay.
What Does a Forklift Truck Driver Do?
Before diving into salary specifics, let’s briefly look at the role of a forklift truck driver. These drivers operate various types of lift trucks to transport heavy items within warehouses, construction sites, and other industrial locations. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Loading and unloading goods
- Storing products in warehouses
- Transporting materials between different sections of a facility
- Performing safety checks on forklift trucks
- Ensuring goods are properly handled and stacked to prevent damage
Forklift drivers work in physically demanding environments and may be required to work in shifts, including nights and weekends.
Wage for Forklift Truck Driver
Salaries for forklift truck drivers in the UK can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry. On average, forklift drivers earn between £21,000 and £30,000 per year. However, the wage for forklift drivers can fluctuate based on various factors that influence pay.
How much does forklift driver make
Experience Level
- Entry-level: Forklift drivers who are new to the profession, or those with less than a year of experience, can expect to earn between £21,000 to £23,000 annually. These roles typically involve basic tasks under supervision, requiring minimal experience.
- Mid-level experience: Forklift drivers with a few years of experience can expect to earn around £24,000 to £26,000 annually. These drivers take on more responsibility and often work with a variety of different lift trucks.
- Experienced/Senior-level: Forklift truck drivers with extensive experience (typically 5+ years) or those in supervisory roles can command salaries of £27,000 to £30,000 per year. Those operating specialist forklifts, such as reach trucks or very narrow aisle trucks, may earn even higher wages due to the technical expertise required.
Location
The region in which you work can significantly impact your salary expectations. Here’s a breakdown of typical forklift truck driver pay across different regions in the UK:
- London and the South East: Forklift drivers in this high-cost region tend to earn higher salaries, ranging from £25,000 to £30,000 or more per year, depending on experience and employer.
- Northern England and Wales: In areas like the North East or North West, salaries for forklift drivers typically range from £21,000 to £26,000 annually.
- Scotland: In Scotland, forklift drivers can earn anywhere from £22,000 to £28,000 per year, with some variation depending on specific job roles and locations.
Industry and Type of Forklift
The industry you work in can also have a significant impact on your pay. For example:
- Warehouse and logistics: Forklift drivers working in large distribution centres or warehouses generally earn between £21,000 to £27,000 annually.
- Construction and manufacturing: These sectors tend to offer slightly higher salaries, particularly for those operating more complex machinery, such as telescopic handlers or articulated lift trucks. Pay in these industries typically ranges from £24,000 to £30,000 per year.
Shift Work and Overtime
Working unsociable hours can boost your earnings as a forklift truck driver. Many companies offer additional pay for night shifts, weekends, or overtime, significantly increasing your annual salary.
- Overtime pay: Forklift drivers working overtime can often earn time and a half or even double time, depending on the employer.
Forklift Driver Pay: Hourly, Monthly, and Annual
In addition to annual salaries, forklift drivers can also expect to receive hourly and monthly wages, which can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
Forklift driver salary per hour
The average hourly wage for a forklift driver in the UK ranges from £10 to £18, depending on the aforementioned factors.
Forklift operator salary in UKper month
Forklift drivers can expect to earn between £1,600 and £2,500 per month on average, though this can vary significantly based on the region and the employer.
Annual Salary
The typical annual salary for a forklift driver in the UK falls between £20,000 and £30,000, with entry-level drivers starting around £17,000 per year. Experienced drivers can earn upwards of £30,000 annually.
Do Forklift Drivers Make Good Money in the UK?
When comparing forklift truck driver salaries to other similar roles in industries such as warehouse operations or general labor, the pay is relatively competitive. Specialized positions, such as those requiring specific certifications or operating complex machinery, tend to offer higher pay.
Additional Benefits for Forklift Truck Drivers
Beyond the base salary, forklift truck drivers often receive various benefits, which can make the job even more attractive. These benefits may include:
- Pension scheme: Many employers offer pension contributions, providing long-term financial security.
- Health and safety training: Regular training ensures drivers are equipped with the skills to operate safely and efficiently, which enhances both job security and earning potential.
- Paid holidays: Most employers offer paid holiday leave, typically ranging from 20 to 28 days per year.
- Health insurance: Some larger employers offer private health insurance or discounts on medical services.
How to Increase Your Forklift Truck Driver Salary
If you’re looking to boost your earnings as a forklift truck driver, consider the following strategies:
- Obtain additional certifications: Gaining proficiency in different types of forklifts, such as reach trucks, counterbalance trucks, or rough terrain forklifts, can increase your marketability and allow you to pursue higher-paying positions.
- Take on supervisory roles: Experienced forklift drivers often advance to supervisory positions, which offer higher pay and additional responsibilities.
- Seek employment with larger companies: Big corporations, particularly those in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, often offer better salaries and career advancement opportunities.
- Work flexible shifts: Forklift drivers willing to work nights, weekends, or overtime can significantly boost their overall salary.
Conclusion
Forklift truck driving is a rewarding career that offers competitive pay, with salaries ranging from £21,000 to £28,000 per year in the UK, depending on experience, location, and industry. The profession offers great opportunities for growth, especially as drivers gain experience or move into specialized or supervisory roles.
For those just starting out, entry-level positions provide a decent salary, and with time, training, and additional certifications, there’s ample opportunity to increase earnings. Whether you’re new to the workforce or looking for a career change, forklift truck driving remains a stable and well-paying option in the UK’s logistics and manufacturing sectors.
If you’re considering of getting a forklift truck driver training to become FLT driver, make sure to get the proper certification (such as the Counterbalance or Reach Truck licenses) and look for opportunities that match your skills and career goals. With the right experience and qualifications, forklift drivers can enjoy a long, lucrative career in the UK.
