Warehouse Jobs in Australia 2025
Your guide to finding work in Australia's booming logistics sector
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
Published: 7 January 2025
| 10 min read
Industry growth: Australia's e-commerce boom has increased warehouse demand by 35% since 2020. Amazon, Woolworths, and major retailers are constantly hiring.
Warehouse Pay Rates 2025
| Role | Hourly Rate | Annual (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| Picker/Packer (entry) | $26 - $32 | $50,000 - $58,000 |
| Picker/Packer (casual) | $32 - $40 | Varies |
| Forklift Operator | $30 - $42 | $58,000 - $78,000 |
| Reach Truck Operator | $32 - $45 | $62,000 - $85,000 |
| Warehouse Supervisor | $35 - $50 | $68,000 - $95,000 |
| Warehouse Manager | Salary | $80,000 - $120,000 |
Penalty Rates
Storage Services Award 2020
- Saturday: 150% (casual 175%)
- Sunday: 200% (casual 225%)
- Public Holiday: 250% (casual 275%)
- Night shift (after 6pm): 15% loading
- Afternoon shift: 12.5% loading
Types of Warehouse Roles
1. Picker/Packer
Most entry-level warehouse role. Pick items from shelves using handheld scanner, pack for shipping.
Requirements:
- No experience needed
- Physical fitness
- Basic English
- Steel cap boots
What to expect:
- Target-based work
- Walking 15-20km/day
- Repetitive tasks
- Temperature extremes (cold stores)
2. Forklift Operator
Higher Pay, License Required
Forklift operators earn 15-30% more than general warehouse workers.
License cost: $300-600 (2-3 day course)
Types: Counterbalance (LF), Reach Truck (LO), Order Picker (LO)
Investment payback: 2-4 weeks extra earnings
3. Receiving/Dispatch
Handling incoming and outgoing goods, checking paperwork, loading trucks:
- Receiver: $28-38/hr - Check deliveries, quality control
- Dispatch: $28-40/hr - Prepare orders for shipping
- RF Scanner skills: Often required
Major Employers
| Company | Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane | Large facilities, high volume, good benefits |
| Woolworths | All major cities | Distribution centers, cold storage available |
| Coles | All major cities | Grocery distribution |
| Toll Holdings | National | Logistics, freight forwarding |
| Australia Post | National | Parcel sorting, good benefits |
Getting Started
Entry Requirements
- 1. Valid work rights: Visa allowing work
- 2. Steel cap boots: $50-150, mandatory PPE
- 3. Hi-vis vest: Often provided by employer
- 4. Physical fitness: Standing 8+ hours, lifting up to 20kg
- 5. Forklift license (optional): $300-600, increases earning potential
Where to Find Jobs
- SEEK: Search "warehouse", "picker packer", "forklift"
- Indeed: Good for casual/temp roles
- Labour hire agencies: Chandler Macleod, Hays, Programmed
- Direct applications: Amazon, Woolworths careers pages
Shift Patterns
Common Schedules
Day Shift
- 6am - 2pm
- 7am - 3pm
- Standard rates
Night Shift
- 10pm - 6am
- 15% loading
- Often higher demand
Career Progression
| Timeline | Role | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Picker/Packer | $50,000 - $55,000 |
| 6-12 months | Forklift Operator | $58,000 - $70,000 |
| 1-2 years | Team Leader | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| 2-4 years | Supervisor | $70,000 - $95,000 |
| 5+ years | Warehouse Manager | $90,000 - $130,000 |