FTL Driver Salary Expectations

The average salary for a forklift driver in the UK is £20,536. The amount you get paid will vary depending on your experience, location and employer, but you should expect to net between £17,000 – £30,000.

Or put another way

The average hourly wage is £11.07 per hour, with the average forklift driver working between 44-46 hours per week.

But that’s not all

The great thing about becoming a forklift driver is that the role has various progression opportunities, and you should expect your salary to rise with your experience and responsibilities. 

• Newly trained forklift drivers typically earn between £17,000-£22,000
• Experienced forklift drivers typically earn between £20,000-£30,000

Some senior forklift drivers with many years of experience may earn in excess of £30,000.

In fact

Forklift drivers get paid more and have more opportunity for progression than many comparative jobs.

The average forklift driver salary is higher than the average salary for a:

• Material handler
• Warehouse operative
• Order picker
• Dock worker

How to become a forklift driver

Becoming a forklift driver is more than just the salary — you’ll be playing a key role in ensuring that the business is functioning efficiently and effectively. 

If you’re interested in becoming a forklift driver, there are typically three routes you can take to become qualified:

• College 

In college, you’ll need to complete a Level 2 Award or Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations to become a qualified forklift driver.

• Apprenticeship

A great way to get your foot in the door of the industry is to apply for an apprenticeship with a building supplier, warehousing or manufacturing company.

• Employment

If you already have some basic experience, you could simply apply to an off-site manufacturing company and gain experience as a forklift driver through your employment. Many of these companies offer training for employees who don’t have any prior forklift driving qualifications.

What does the role of a forklift driver entail?

The role of a forklift driver is so much more than just driving a forklift. The role involves all of the following duties:

• Loading and unloading materials
• Transporting pallet-packed materials across the site
• Checking and securing loads
• Performing equipment maintenance
• Keeping records of equipment and actions

How can I advance my career?

Forklift drivers have the opportunity for progression, providing them with new responsibilities and higher salaries. 

As a forklift driver, your skills transfer to roles such as:

• Plant operator
• Crane operator
• Plant mechanic

Where can I find forklift driving jobs?

The best way to find forklift driving jobs is on an online job site such as Reed or indeed. Alternatively, you can find and apply for jobs directly through a company’s website.

At East Midlands Forklifts, we have all the forklifts your business needs. Choose from a range of types and models for purchase or for hire. We offer flexible hire contracts, speedy delivery and a professional maintenance and upkeep service. Everything you need to attract new forklift drivers can be found from East Midlands Forklift.

Find your next forklift today — contact our team.