What is a forklift operator's salary in 2025?
26 June 2025 · 3 min reading time
Join Staffmatch
See job offersLoading, unloading, storage, and supply… the forklift operator is a key player in logistics and production. With their expertise in handling equipment—especially forklifts requiring a CACES certification—they ensure the smooth flow of goods within warehouses and factories.
But how much do they actually earn? And how does their salary evolve with experience, working hours, or the type of role (warehouse operator, forklift picker, etc.)?
In this article, we break down the average salary of a forklift operator, the factors that influence it, and salary growth opportunities in this essential logistics profession.
What Is the Average Salary of a Forklift Operator in France?
The salary of a forklift operator in France varies based on experience, skills, and job context. Still, we can provide salary ranges to give a clear idea of what to expect—whether you're looking for a job or hiring.
Entry-Level Forklift Operator Salary (Junior)
For a new forklift operator, freshly certified with little or no experience, the salary usually hovers around the minimum wage or slightly above.
Typical range: Between €1,801.80 and €1,950 gross per month. This base pay is often topped up with bonuses (meal allowances, cleanliness, cold environment bonuses) or travel allowances, increasing the take-home pay.
Experienced Forklift Operator Salary
With 3 to 5 years of experience and solid mastery of various forklifts, salaries rise significantly.
Typical range: From €1,950 to €2,300 gross/month, or more. This reflects the value of autonomy, speed, and adaptability in the role.
Senior or Specialized Forklift Operator Salary
Forklift operators with 5 to 10+ years of experience, who hold multiple CACES licenses or take on extra responsibilities, can reach higher salary brackets.
Typical range: From €2,300 to €2,600 gross/month, or more, especially in demanding environments or with rare skill sets. Bonuses may apply for night shifts, hazardous conditions, or performance.
Private Sector vs Public Sector: Salary Differences
In the Private Sector
Pay is negotiated more flexibly depending on:
- Experience
- Number and type of CACES certifications
- Contract type (temporary jobs often pay more)
- Bonuses and benefits (cold, night work, 13th month, etc.)
In the Public Sector
Forklift operators often work as technical assistants. Their salary is defined by national pay scales based on a grade index multiplied by the index point value.
📊 Monthly Gross Salary – Technical Assistant (Category C1) – 2025
| Step | Grade Index | Gross Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 361 | €1,801.80 |
| 2 | 368 | €1,811.60 |
| 3 | 376 | €1,850.00 |
| 4 | 384 | €1,888.30 |
| 5 | 392 | €1,926.70 |
| 6 | 402 | €1,974.80 |
| 7 | 412 | €2,023.00 |
Key benefit: Public employment offers strong job stability, guaranteed progression, and fairer pay among employees at the same grade.
Key Factors That Influence Forklift Operator Salaries
CACES Certifications Held
The more CACES licenses you have (especially R489 categories 3 and 5), the more valuable your profile. Versatility increases your earning potential.
Professional Experience
Years of handling equipment, optimizing space, and preventing accidents build trust—and salaries follow.
Industry Sector
- Logistics & Retail: Competitive base salaries + bonuses
- Industry (e.g., automotive, chemical): Often higher pay, especially with complex or sensitive products
- Construction/Public Works: Higher salaries due to difficult conditions
- Specialized sectors (e.g., cold storage, hazardous materials): Often come with special bonuses
Region and Company Type
- Paris region, Lyon, Marseille: Higher wages due to demand and cost of living
- Large companies: More structured salary scales and benefits (healthcare, employee committees, etc.)
- SMEs: Often more flexibility and autonomy
Additional Responsibilities
Extra duties can lead to higher pay:
- Stock and inventory management
- First-level maintenance
- Training new recruits
- Team leadership
The Role of Collective Bargaining Agreements
In France, collective agreements set minimum wages, bonuses (seniority, meal, transport), and working conditions.
Forklift operators usually fall under agreements such as:
- Road Transport & Auxiliary Activities (IDCC 16)
- Wholesale Trade (IDCC 573)
- Logistics (IDCC 3252)
- Metallurgy
Why it matters: Knowing your applicable agreement ensures you can protect your rights and fairly evaluate your total compensation.
Similar articles
Labor Law
How to calculate your temporary work salary?
28 May 2025 · 5 min reading time
Learn how to calculate your temporary work salary. Discover how bonuses (IFM, ICCP) and allowances are calculated, with concrete examples.
Labor Law
2025 BTP Salary Grids: Understanding Levels, Coefficients, and Remuneration.
09 March 2025 · 4 min reading time
Understanding the 2025 btp salary grid has never been easier! discover salaries, coefficients, and levels for workers, etams, and managers. check out our complete guide!
Become a temp worker with Staffmatch!
OUR MOBILE APPS
Download the temp worker app
Download the business appDownload our temp worker appDownload our business app
Download the temp worker appDownload the business appDownload our temp worker appDownload our business app