As of April 22, 2025, the average annual salary for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler in the United Kingdom is £26,730, with an hourly rate of £13, according to Salary.com Global Salary IQ data. The average salary ranges from £24,760 to £31,280, influenced by factors like location, education, experience, and more.

Global Market Data
25TH   £24,760
50TH(Median)   £26,730
75TH   £31,280
Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
25th Percentile Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary £24,760 United Kingdom April 22, 2025
50th Percentile Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary £26,730 United Kingdom April 22, 2025
75th Percentile Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary £31,280 United Kingdom April 22, 2025

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How Much Does a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Make by Hour, Week, Month, and Year?

Last Updated on April 22, 2025

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Forklift Operator/Materials Handler salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler is about £26,730 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of £13, a monthly salary of about £2,228, and a weekly pay of around £514. Click the switch button below to see more details about Forklift Operator/Materials Handler hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

How Much Do Forklift Operator/Materials Handlers Earn at Different Levels in 2025?

A Forklift Operator/Materials Handler's salary varies significantly based on experience level. Entry typically earn £25,613 - £26,730, while Intermediate make £25,995 - £27,545, Senior earn £26,671 - £29,107, Specialist earn £26,730 - £29,311, Expert can reach £27,070 - £29,718 or more, depending on the company and location.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler £26,377
Intermediate Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler £26,730
Senior Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler £28,224
Specialist Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler £28,428
Expert Level Forklift Operator/Materials Handler £28,767
£26,377 0 yr
£26,730 < 2 yrs
£28,224 2-4 yrs
£28,428 5-8 yrs
£28,767 > 8 yrs
Entry Level 1%
Intermediate Level 0%
Senior Level 6%
Specialist Level 6%
Expert Level 8%
View as Table
View as Graph
Last Updated on April 22, 2025

Skills to Boost a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler Salary

Mastering key skills can significantly increase your earning potential as a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Data, expertise in Container can lead to a 4% salary raise, while strong Shipping and Receiving skills boost pay by a 2%. Even Warehouse Management System can result in a 1% salary increase.

Skill Library evaluates talent skills across five levels, supported by 5-10 behavior indicators, delivering precise insights for data-driven hiring decisions.
Container
Container is an object used for or capable of holding, esp for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc.
Shipping and Receiving
Managing and maintaining records of all products shipped and received to ensure the correct filing of orders.
Warehouse Management System
A set of policies and processes intended to organise the work of a warehouse or distribution centre, and ensure that such a facility can operate efficiently and meet its objectives.
More Skills...
Based on recent job listings, in-demand skills in the Forklift Operator/Materials Handler field include Container (4%), Shipping and Receiving (2%), Warehouse Management System (1%), and Equipment Operation (1%). These skills reflect current market needs.
Skills Salary Demand
Skill & Salary Demand
Container £27,799
Container
£27,799
4%
Shipping and Receiving £27,265
Shipping and Receiving
£27,265
2%
Warehouse Management System £26,997
Warehouse Management System
£26,997
1%
Equipment Operation £26,997
Equipment Operation
£26,997
1%
Container
5.68%
Shipping and Receiving
5.68%
Warehouse Management System
2.66%
Equipment Operation
4.77%

What are the Highest Paying Cities in the United Kingdom for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler?

The top 3 highest-paying cities in the United Kingdom for Forklift Operator/Materials Handler are London, Brighton and Hove, and Manchester. In London, the average salary is £28,868 per year, while Brighton and Hove offers £26,929, and Manchester pays around £25,622 annually.

Which Job Pays More: Forklift Operator/Materials Handler or Forklift Operator/Materials Handler?

As of April 22, 2025 , a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler makes less than a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler. A Forklift Operator/Materials Handler earns an average annual salary of £22,039. And a Forklift Operator/Materials Handler earns an average annual salary of £26,730.

Job Title Salary Range in GBP
Forklift Operator/Materials Handler
£15,443
£28,309
Forklift/Jack Materials Handler I
£15,200
£22,846
Materials Handler I
£15,241
£22,907
Equipment Operator - Forklift
£15,328
£28,099
Entry Materials Handler
£15,307
£23,007

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