Forklift jobs are widely available in the UK, with many different professions and employers hiring. Jobs are available in several industries, such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, warehouses, and more. The demand for forklift drivers is at an all-time high. This is because there aren’t enough skilled individuals to operate forklifts in the UK.  Businesses are increasingly looking for FLT operators for a variety of reasons, including Brexit, COVID, and the demand for quick-moving supply chains brought on by the expanding e-commerce sector. Every warehouse and supply chain that impacts our food and business needs forklifts. Warehouses cannot function at maximum efficiency without a sufficient number of forklift operators.

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Top 10 Highest Paying Forklift Jobs in the UK in  2025

The highest-paying forklift positions can reach $57,500 annually.

• Skidder Operator 

A skidder is a machine used to clear fallen trees from forested regions. Using log grapples, cable winches, crane booms, and other skidder attachments, you must safely remove trees from the work area as part of your duty as a skidder operator. You must know how to securely operate the skidder in a variety of conditions if you want to succeed in this job. Excellent listening skills and prior logging industry expertise are additional requirements for this position. It is always $52,500 to $57,500 annually in the forestry industry.

• Stacker  operator

The bulk of stacker operator salaries in the UK fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles, earning $37,500 and $45,000 yearly, respectively. Although some progression is conceivable, this moderate salary range indicates that remuneration in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. The UK stacker operator job market is active, with some organisations recruiting. 

• Twic Holding

The majority of Twic Holders in the UK make between $23,500 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) each year. This wide range of possible salaries indicates that, depending on years of experience, location, and skill level, there may be numerous chances for promotion and higher compensation. According to current ZipRecruiter job posts, there are a few hiring organisations and a moderately active forklift job market in the UK.

• Pallet Sorter

The bulk of Pallet Sorter wages in the UK fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles, at $27,000 and $34,000, respectively, each year. Although some progression is conceivable, this moderate salary range indicates that remuneration in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. The UK Pallet Sorter job market is active, with some employers recruiting, according to recent ZipRecruiter job ads. They earn $27,000 to $34,000 annually.

• Lift Operator

The majority of lift operators presently make between $35,500 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) a year. Although some progression is conceivable, this moderate salary range indicates that remuneration in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. Few organisations are presently hiring for the position of Lift Operator; therefore, the employment market for forklift operators in the UK is extremely active, according to recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter. The salary is  $35,500 to $42,000.

•  General Labour Forklift Operator

 The majority of General Labour Forklift Operators make between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $40,500 (75th percentile) per year. Although some progression is conceivable, this moderate salary range indicates that income in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. The general labour forklift operator job market in the UK is not extremely active, since few organisations are actively hiring for this position. The salary range is often $33,000 to $40,500 annually in the UK.

• Warehouse Operator

 As part of a warehouse facility’s everyday operations, a warehouse operator is in charge of a variety of physical tasks. Processing orders, keeping track of stock, scheduling client shipments, and perhaps using heavy machinery like a forklift are all part of this job. Physically transporting goods into and out of the warehouse, checking goods for damage, manually tallying product inventory, and maintaining warehouse equipment are some of the other responsibilities of a warehouse operator. Leadership and organisational abilities are necessary for a job as a warehouse operator. The salary is always between $33,500 to $40,500 annually.

• Clamp Truck Driver

They make between $33,500 and $40,000 annually. Similar to a forklift, a clamp truck is operated by a clamp truck driver. Your job as a clamp truck driver is to use the vehicle to move big, usually cylindrical objects around a warehouse. Along with other, unrelated tasks, you might also maintain your car in the warehouse. A high school diploma or GED certificate is required for this position. Mechanical abilities and prior warehouse work experience are also beneficial. A spotless driving record and, in certain situations, a special operator’s licence are important.

• Warehouse Equipment Operator

The bulk of equipment operator warehouse wages in the UK fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles, at $34,000 and $40,000, respectively, per year. Although some progression is conceivable, this moderate salary range indicates that income in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. Few businesses are presently hiring for the position; therefore, the Equipment Operator Warehouse job in the UK is partially active. The Salary range is  $34,000 to $40,000 annually.

• Certified Forklift Operator

The majority of Certified Forklift Operators make between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) per year. Although some progression is possible, this moderate salary range indicates that remuneration in this profession will be consistent, independent of skill level, location, and years of experience. 

What Do Forklift Jobs in the UK Involve?

The job involves loading and unloading, gathering, and stacking items on pallets or racks are examples of routine daily tasks. Moving items from one location to another is are key responsibility of the Forklift job in the UK. Additionally, FLT operators might have to undertake repetitive operations like putting goods on shelves, using a pallet jack or dolly, packing machines, and other large equipment.

How Much Do Forklift Jobs in the UK Cost?

In the UK, a forklift Jobs typically cost very high. A forklift operator can earn £12 per hour, or £23,400 annually. The most experienced individuals can earn up to £31,200 a year, while those who are just beginning out in their careers get about £21,450. Nevertheless, there are a few unusual situations in which you could earn £27 per hour or even more. The higher-paying employees will be assigned to special positions that can call for operating various forklift models or being required to work during odd hours

Is Forklift Driving a Skilled Job?

Driving a forklift truck is a skilled job, and becoming a FLT operative legally requires meeting several requirements. For this position, you need to have the appropriate education, experience, and mindset. The risk is not worth it if you lack the necessary training. Because forklift jobs and their machinery are very dangerous, you must also be in good physical condition, able to perform under pressure, and quick-thinking in case something goes wrong.

Duties of Forklift Operators in The UK

In the United Kingdom, forklift operators handle transporting, loading, and unloading products with forklifts. Also, trucks and trailers are loaded and unloaded by these people. Additionally, their responsibilities involve moving supplies around a depot or warehouse. They also handle helping with the choosing, packing, and shipping of orders. Finally, they are responsible for examining and maintaining forklift machinery.

Best Roles of a Forklift Operator in The UK

There are specific roles that Forklift operators handle. Some of these roles are: 

Counterbalance Forklift Operator

Perform general material handling tasks using ordinary equipment.

Operators of VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) forklifts

Manage VNA trucks to store goods effectively in confined areas.

Forklift Truck Operator:

A broad term for forklift operators that includes a variety of forklift models is Forklift Truck Operators (FLT).

Forklift Engineers

In the United Kingdom, forklift engineers are responsible for forklift maintenance and repairs during forklift jobs.

Forklift Instructor

A Forklift Instructor in the UK provides instruction to others on safety during forklift operation.

Skills for Forklift Jobs in the UK

The capacity to function both alone and together

Forklift jobs require drivers to work alone and as a team.  As a forklift operator, you need to master working alone and working in a team, as the job requires. Some responsibilities may need you to collaborate with others to get things done, and knowing how to do this is important.

Understanding forklift operation

This is the most important skill for forklift jobs. Drivers need to have a vast understanding of forklift operations. It could range from machine operations to other job duties in the organization or team.

Strong attention to detail and work ethic

This job requires strong attention to detail and work ethic.  Forklift drivers need to pay attention to their environment and the machine to reduce the chances of work-related accidents.

Physical health and the capacity to move and move objects

Health is important. To effectively work on responsibilities, drivers need to be in good health. The machines require physical strength. Health is not limited to physical well-being, as other forms of well-being help get the job done.

Valid B1, B2, and other forklift licenses

Forklift licenses are an important requirement for forklift jobs. Those who wish to work in these roles are advised to get valid licenses to aid job security. Different types of licenses are available for this role, and it is important to go for the most suitable one.

Important Training to Take as a Forklift Driver in the UK

You must complete the necessary training if you wish to work as a forklift truck driver. Academic credentials in subjects like science and English are not required to work as a forklift truck driver, but you must have finished an authorised forklift training program. To ensure that you can drive the truck correctly, safely, and legally, these courses, which can last anywhere from three to five days, will include theoretical and hands-on training. Any forklift driver in the UK,  whether they are highly experienced or recently certified, would benefit from a certain set of skills and abilities in addition to the necessary qualifications. These abilities are focus, self-control under pressure, and composure.

Average Salary for Forklift Jobs in the UK

Making wise job decisions requires knowing the possible income as a forklift driver. It assists people in budgeting, negotiating for more pay, and determining their earning potential. Furthermore, knowing salary trends can encourage drivers to pursue further education and certifications in order to improve their abilities and raise their earning potential.

An average of £20,536 per year, forklift driver earnings in the UK vary greatly, ranging from about £17,000 to £30,000. Experience, geography, and employer are some examples of factors that can affect compensation. According to Totaljobs.com, the average hourly wage for a forklift driver in the UK is £20,545, while other job listings offer hourly rates between £12 and £18. A forklift job as a driver in the UK may start out making about £23,000 a year, while more seasoned operators may make more than £32,000.

Conclusion

Forklift jobs are one of those jobs you might not give much thought to unless you work directly in the industry or are thinking about pursuing it as a profession, However, the importance of forklift Jobs in the UK has never been greater due to the growth of internet shopping and the ongoing demand for effective distribution hubs. However, are forklifts a decent job, and are they the perfect choice for you? Yes. It is A skilled and fulfilling career. Forklift jobs are crucial to supply chains and logistics. Moreover, it provides a special fusion of technological know-how, physical activity, and safety consciousness.  For people who like doing practical work and boosting operational effectiveness, it’s a feasible career path with the right training.