forklift operator.

Different things can affect a forklift operator's salary, for example, there may be salary differences between various industries. Some industries require longer experience, specific qualifications from education and work experience from the industry you are going to work in. 

As always, the salary for a forklift operator also depends on where in the country you work. In larger cities, the general salary level is higher. This means that someone working as a forklift operator in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö probably has a higher salary than someone working in a smaller town. 

What can also directly affect the salary are the working hours. Many warehouses and other companies that need forklift operators operate 24 hours a day, which means you get paid for inconvenient working hours. If you work evenings, weekends or nights, you may be entitled to extra compensation and thus have the chance to earn a higher salary. This can either be because you work shifts, or because you actively choose to take work shifts scheduled during these hours.

As a forklift operator, you operate counterbalance forklifts inside warehouse facilities. Such a forklift usually has forks at the front and is heavily weighted at the back to balance heavy loads on the forks. Your job as a forklift operator is to drive this counterbalance forklift and load or unload heavy pallets or goods, then move the loads around the warehouse.

A telescopic forklift is a more advanced type of forklift, which is a kind of combination between a crane and a regular forklift. Since the telescopic forklift has a long arm that extends and can be controlled, it is possible to use this type of forklift to load and unload in tight spaces, from unusual angles and with heavy loads. But it also demands more from the forklift operator.

A forklift operator works in large warehouses, which can be found in various industries. The job involves loading and unloading pallets, loads, and goods that are heavy and cannot be carried by hand. You can work indoors sorting goods on different shelves and loading or unloading items from transport vehicles.

As a forklift operator, in this case you work on construction sites driving what is called a construction forklift. Your job is to lift heavy loads to high heights, as well as move materials that will be used for the construction around the construction site.

Some common tasks in the job as a forklift operator are: 

• Driving a forklift safely: As a forklift operator, you will be driving a forklift in a hectic and intense industrial environment. You drive forklifts in a warehouse or on construction sites, and it is important that you operate the forklift safely so you do not run into other things that are on site.
• Loading and unloading items: As a forklift operator, the job mainly involves loading and unloading items, but also placing and removing items on shelves or in sorting systems used in the warehouse. Refilling or emptying shelves with goods, which are then transported further, is a big part of the working day as a forklift operator. In the same way, you must safely load and unload goods from transport vehicles.
• Keeping order in the area where you will drive: An important part of being a forklift operator is to make sure that the route you will drive the forklift along is cleared of things that could be in the way, slow down your work, or get damaged when you drive the forklift. It is also important to keep safety in mind at work, to avoid collisions or things getting damaged when you run into them. For example, if you have poor visibility, you should communicate with your colleagues to get help driving the forklift safely.
• Maintenance of equipment: It’s also important to check the equipment and the forklifts you drive on a regular basis, to make sure there are no faults or damages. You also need to keep the forklift clean and oil it regularly, to ensure that its functionality is at its best. Regular maintenance of the equipment is important so that it lasts longer and works in a smooth, safe way.

As a forklift operator, you can work both indoors and outdoors, but some forklift operators have jobs that are located in a specific building or a specific place outdoors. 

For many forklift operators, most of the working day is spent indoors in an environment with good ventilation and temperature. But sometimes you also have to work outside, for loading and unloading transport vehicles. 

Usually, forklift operator is a job that requires sturdy work clothes, but there are also some tasks that are done in a regular office environment, and then no special work clothes are needed.

It depends entirely on which industry you work in, but as a forklift operator you can have many different types of colleagues that you work more or less closely with in your daily routine. 

If you work in a warehouse, you will mainly be working with warehouse worker If you rather work in a factory or in the manufacturing industry, you might be working with production employee, maintenance technician, electrician, service technician maintenance engineers or service engineers. No matter at which workplace you work, it is always in connection with a manager foreman or other project manager.

The transport industry is basically running around the clock, every day of the week, which means that forklift operators, who play an important role in loading and unloading during transport, also need to be available 24 hours a day in many cases. 

As a forklift operator, you can work at different times, and shift work is very common. Either you have a recurring schedule, where you work the same type of shifts and hours every week. Or you work at a workplace that uses a more rotating schedule, which means you work different shifts in different weeks. This means that many forklift operators work at inconvenient times, including evenings, weekends and, in many cases, nights. 

There are also workplaces with more regular working hours, from 7, 8 or 9 in the morning until 15, 16 or 17 in the evening. One such example is construction sites. It is common for forklift operators to have a full-time position, since this job is needed for many hours a day in several different industries. 

It is also possible to find side jobs and part-time positions as a forklift operator. For example, if you are studying, you can have a side job as a forklift operator in the evenings and on weekends.

As a forklift operator, you have many different career opportunities if you are good at your job. one example is to continue your education and improve your skills, for example to become responsible and get a supervisor role in the warehouse. 

to become manager is often a job that requires work experience in the relevant field, so the job as a forklift operator can be the first step towards such a role. Someone who is specialised in a field often gets increased responsibility and a chance for a leadership role. 

Some forklift operators also continue their education to become machinists, so they can work in maintenance or as technicians.

There are many advantages to finding an open position as a forklift operator through Randstad: 

• various development and career opportunities 
• an experienced contact person who can help you when needed
• many open jobs in your area
• full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment 

Do you want a permanent position as a forklift operator? A temporary or substitute job as a forklift operator is often a good first step towards a permanent position. Every year, several people get a permanent job with employers thanks to a temporary job that has come through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.

To be considered for a job as a forklift operator, you need to have a forklift licence. You can get it in a similar way as a regular driving licence, but much faster. Some employers also offer their employees the opportunity to get a forklift licence through the workplace. In this way, you can develop the skills of the staff who are already there and who, for example, work as warehouse worker.

Some forklift operators will handle dangerous goods and some loads that require safety procedures. This can involve hazardous substances and toxic chemicals. In such cases, additional knowledge and training may be needed, but even then, it is often something the employer provides.

It is not a requirement to have previous experience as a forklift operator to get a job as a forklift operator, but it is an advantage to be able to show that you have worked with similar tasks before. Forklift operator is an important and in many cases complicated job, where someone with long experience can feel more confident in situations that may arise. 

For those who want to make a career, take on more responsibility or advance to a leadership role, work experience is a must. But it is also important to continue your education and, for example, specialise in a particular area of the industrial sector. 

For those who are going to work with more advanced forklifts, it is also an advantage to have basic work experience with a regular forklift.

A forklift operator drives a forklift, either in a warehouse or on a construction site. They help other warehouse staff with loading and unloading shipments, moving goods within the warehouse, and keeping track of inventory. As a forklift operator, you also take care of the maintenance of the equipment used for the job.

The average salary for a forklift operator is between 28,000 and 32,000 kronor per month, but there are different factors that can affect the salary. For example, it is possible to work some overtime or during inconvenient working hours, which means you receive OB compensation and therefore a higher salary.

It's easy to apply for a job as a forklift operator. Search among our vacant jobs in your area. Then send in your CV or your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn. 

If you need help with your job application, you can read all our guides job tips here! 

Here you can find more information about the job role forklift operator.