It's official - Forklift drivers earn more than most pilots
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Not on this planet
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's official - Forklift drivers earn more than most pilots
I wonder how much it costs to train to become a forklift driver????
From the New Zealand Herald Website:
Other jobs' average salaries:
* Court of Appeal judge: $292,000.
* Call centre manager: $70,500.
* Advertising manager: $70,748.
* Forklift Driver: $35,020.
* Librarian: $34,910.
* Specialist at Auckland Hospital: $108,000 to $150,000, base rate.
* Navy marine engineer, five years' experience: $46,645.
* Accountant in the banking industry: $140,000.
* Auckland University professor: $98,982 minimum.
* General practitioner: $79,453 average (2001 Census).
* Chief accountant: $100,500.
* Fire Service station officer: $48,000.
* Lawyers: $42,000 for new graduate up to $2 million-plus for top commercial barrister.
* Chief scientist: $90,000.
* Secondary school teacher: $36,256 (if it is accepted by the union, the current pay offer will raise this to $42,325 by July 2006) to $56,393.
From the New Zealand Herald Website:
Other jobs' average salaries:
* Court of Appeal judge: $292,000.
* Call centre manager: $70,500.
* Advertising manager: $70,748.
* Forklift Driver: $35,020.
* Librarian: $34,910.
* Specialist at Auckland Hospital: $108,000 to $150,000, base rate.
* Navy marine engineer, five years' experience: $46,645.
* Accountant in the banking industry: $140,000.
* Auckland University professor: $98,982 minimum.
* General practitioner: $79,453 average (2001 Census).
* Chief accountant: $100,500.
* Fire Service station officer: $48,000.
* Lawyers: $42,000 for new graduate up to $2 million-plus for top commercial barrister.
* Chief scientist: $90,000.
* Secondary school teacher: $36,256 (if it is accepted by the union, the current pay offer will raise this to $42,325 by July 2006) to $56,393.
Not just in NZ either. Jobs for forklift drivers being advertised in Oz in the $20-25 /hour range. Plenty of vacancies either permanent with sick pay,holiday pay etc. ,or casual at higher hourly rate.
Cost +/- $300 for training in around 3 days ,add another $100 for steel capped boots and a safety vest and you are away.
Good operator wanting $$$ ,with overtime and penalties for night/weekend work should be on around $1000/week.
Compares very well with piston twin and alot of turbines
Cost +/- $300 for training in around 3 days ,add another $100 for steel capped boots and a safety vest and you are away.
Good operator wanting $$$ ,with overtime and penalties for night/weekend work should be on around $1000/week.
Compares very well with piston twin and alot of turbines
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: HEAVEN
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apparently it's a fact that a forklift driver makes more decisions in 1 hour on the job than a commercial pilot does flying from Mel to Syd.
It used to be a motorist makes more decisions driving to work in peak hour traffic than a pilot between Mel and Syd. but toll ways have reduced this statistic down to them being on a par now.
It used to be a motorist makes more decisions driving to work in peak hour traffic than a pilot between Mel and Syd. but toll ways have reduced this statistic down to them being on a par now.
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
I try to avoid making ANY decisions at work, Orville - it makes me tooooo tired for social activities afterwards (the forklifting type)!
And just think what you could buy with that $60k + you'll save by NOT learning to fly...a nice boat, a couple of cars.
Time with the family EVERY day...no more 6 or 12 monthly medicals......no more sim checks.....no 8 hour bottle to throttle..........public holidays off.......time off to have decent meals served on a table, instead of a cardboard box on your lap............sleeping in your own bed, on your own pillow that countless other people haven't dribbled on......
And just think what you could buy with that $60k + you'll save by NOT learning to fly...a nice boat, a couple of cars.
Time with the family EVERY day...no more 6 or 12 monthly medicals......no more sim checks.....no 8 hour bottle to throttle..........public holidays off.......time off to have decent meals served on a table, instead of a cardboard box on your lap............sleeping in your own bed, on your own pillow that countless other people haven't dribbled on......
Last edited by Kaptin M; 18th Oct 2004 at 06:47.
Well you obviously dont logon at www.FLDRuNe.org do you . Heaps of goss and talk about that year, you know, remember 98 .
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Living next door to Alan
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A Topic Close To My Heart
Back in 1987 I was earning $54k as a forkie.
I left that job to earn $22k as a junior Grade 3.
17 years later, my 2 brothers-in-law still work for the same company as forkies earning $85k including allowances, with no checks to study for, and little accountability. They get treated extremely well by their employer and would never leave.
20/20 hindsight is a good thing.
P.S. I never paid for my forkie's ticket either. Besides, you can't log ICUS on a piston engined fork
I left that job to earn $22k as a junior Grade 3.
17 years later, my 2 brothers-in-law still work for the same company as forkies earning $85k including allowances, with no checks to study for, and little accountability. They get treated extremely well by their employer and would never leave.
20/20 hindsight is a good thing.
P.S. I never paid for my forkie's ticket either. Besides, you can't log ICUS on a piston engined fork
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Oz
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Me mate's a handyman. 'e charges out at 38 buckeroos an hour plus the cost of any materials used is extra.
Picks 'is own hours, but e's usually on the job by 6:30 am or 7 and knocks orf about 5 or 6.
'e likes to work most Saterdays and 'e'll even do a bit on Sunday if e feels like it.
Ain't no shortage a work for 'im and e reckons e pulls in between 10 and 12 grand a month.
Put both is kids through private schools an' just came back from 2 weeks in NZ with is young girlfriend.
e's 54 and a fitter barsterd ya wouldn't find.
Works when HE wants to, takes the time orf HE wants at the times HE wants it.
Ain't no money in flyin like there used ta be nowadays.
Might be a "nice" job but youse are gunna be workin' to the day yer die to get half the stuff anyone with a lot less qualifications has got.
An they aven't 'ad ta fork out like youse ave to get 'em.
It's a mugs game bein' a pilot these days.
Picks 'is own hours, but e's usually on the job by 6:30 am or 7 and knocks orf about 5 or 6.
'e likes to work most Saterdays and 'e'll even do a bit on Sunday if e feels like it.
Ain't no shortage a work for 'im and e reckons e pulls in between 10 and 12 grand a month.
Put both is kids through private schools an' just came back from 2 weeks in NZ with is young girlfriend.
e's 54 and a fitter barsterd ya wouldn't find.
Works when HE wants to, takes the time orf HE wants at the times HE wants it.
Ain't no money in flyin like there used ta be nowadays.
Might be a "nice" job but youse are gunna be workin' to the day yer die to get half the stuff anyone with a lot less qualifications has got.
An they aven't 'ad ta fork out like youse ave to get 'em.
It's a mugs game bein' a pilot these days.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Living next door to Alan
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No windup, Buckshot.
Perhaps I should be more explicit about the roster. We were working 12 hour shifts, but only a total of 7 shifts per fortnight, with a long weekend every 2nd weekend, and never working more than 3 days in a row without 2 days off.
So that worked out at a 42 hour week. I've done much more than that as a pilot on some occasions. I'm barely matching my brothers-in-law salaries, but I reckon if their union has the smarts to get the $$ then good on 'em.
The reason these guys are so well paid is that some labour groups have the capability of negotiating conditions better than a lousy 3% per year. And they don't run around cutting each-other's throats to be cheaper than the rest
I guess we get what we deserve when we use pilots to negotiate our salaries for us. The forkies used professional negotiators to do the hard work, and reaped the results. Almost 20 years on and our unions are still in the dark ages in this regard.
Maybe there's a lesson in it for us????
Perhaps I should be more explicit about the roster. We were working 12 hour shifts, but only a total of 7 shifts per fortnight, with a long weekend every 2nd weekend, and never working more than 3 days in a row without 2 days off.
So that worked out at a 42 hour week. I've done much more than that as a pilot on some occasions. I'm barely matching my brothers-in-law salaries, but I reckon if their union has the smarts to get the $$ then good on 'em.
The reason these guys are so well paid is that some labour groups have the capability of negotiating conditions better than a lousy 3% per year. And they don't run around cutting each-other's throats to be cheaper than the rest
I guess we get what we deserve when we use pilots to negotiate our salaries for us. The forkies used professional negotiators to do the hard work, and reaped the results. Almost 20 years on and our unions are still in the dark ages in this regard.
Maybe there's a lesson in it for us????
Moderate, Modest & Mild.
It's a pity that one of the Woomeri decided to move this thread from the "main" D & G forum.
Regardles of whether it's 4klift drivers' or a handyman's income, the subject of income relativity to a pilot's is, imho, VERY topical these days, with pilots' salaries and conditions as miserable as they are, to the extent that pilots are often re-evaluating their employment position.
I feel that this thread is deserving of more exposure and input than it's going to get on this forum.
Regardles of whether it's 4klift drivers' or a handyman's income, the subject of income relativity to a pilot's is, imho, VERY topical these days, with pilots' salaries and conditions as miserable as they are, to the extent that pilots are often re-evaluating their employment position.
I feel that this thread is deserving of more exposure and input than it's going to get on this forum.
Guest
Posts: n/a
First year out of flying (89) in my own business income in excess of $350k. Downside? grasping ATO so have pared it back to mum and me operation that minimises that problem.Dont see as much of the world but lookin at the papers and proon it appears to be buggered anyhow.
Havent felt the urge to commit aviation in the last 15 years funny that.
Havent felt the urge to commit aviation in the last 15 years funny that.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Under the Equator
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's all supply and demand:
I can not imagine too many forklift drivers around sending emails to warehouses: "I will drive your Yanmar 20-D for free".
I can not imagine Forklift Schools overflowing with students all recruited by a salesman promising "You will be operating a container lifter on a whalf in 18 months on 120K year".
I can not imagine forklift drivers hang around a warehouse, sweeping, cleaning and making cold-calls in the hope they are allowed to move a few pallets after hours in a dodgy Toyota with a leaky propane tank.
Nor is there one forklift regulator for every two forklifts or lift fees for every pallet moved.
-----------------------------
Recently, the wife of a Pilot I know had a little boy. An office Lady innocently said "Is this big boy going to be a Pilot like his Daddy?".
The look of contempt from the mother was answer enough........
I can not imagine too many forklift drivers around sending emails to warehouses: "I will drive your Yanmar 20-D for free".
I can not imagine Forklift Schools overflowing with students all recruited by a salesman promising "You will be operating a container lifter on a whalf in 18 months on 120K year".
I can not imagine forklift drivers hang around a warehouse, sweeping, cleaning and making cold-calls in the hope they are allowed to move a few pallets after hours in a dodgy Toyota with a leaky propane tank.
Nor is there one forklift regulator for every two forklifts or lift fees for every pallet moved.
-----------------------------
Recently, the wife of a Pilot I know had a little boy. An office Lady innocently said "Is this big boy going to be a Pilot like his Daddy?".
The look of contempt from the mother was answer enough........
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: caprica
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well
123567
What crap are you posting? Maybe the part time Grade III instructor earns less. Many don't and my salary certainly goes no where near that.
Why don't you p#$% off and become a fork lift driver instead of making an ass of the industy and yourself.
123567
What crap are you posting? Maybe the part time Grade III instructor earns less. Many don't and my salary certainly goes no where near that.
Why don't you p#$% off and become a fork lift driver instead of making an ass of the industy and yourself.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Not on this planet
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Commanda adama
I don't understand what you are on about?
Are you trying to say that in your fantasy land that you live in that most pilots actually earn more $35,000 ?
I'm quite certain that the majority [including the New Zealand census takers, Flying Instructors I know, Turboprop FO's etc.] -will disagree.
I don't see how making a comment regarding pay parity between occupations is, as you say - making an ass of myself.
Oh well, if the shoe fits eh?
P.S. Whats a grade III instsructor ?
I don't understand what you are on about?
Are you trying to say that in your fantasy land that you live in that most pilots actually earn more $35,000 ?
I'm quite certain that the majority [including the New Zealand census takers, Flying Instructors I know, Turboprop FO's etc.] -will disagree.
I don't see how making a comment regarding pay parity between occupations is, as you say - making an ass of myself.
Oh well, if the shoe fits eh?
P.S. Whats a grade III instsructor ?
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Somewhere around 27degrees
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Jarse.......long time no ear!
Have ya got all them nasty boxes unpacked? I haven't forgotten 'bout that bottle from the Margaret River part of the world either.
You never mentioned you had such a variety of endo's! My personal fave was always the big 2.5 tonne Hyster with reverse on one side of the gas pedal and forward on the other side!!! Any colour you like as long as it's yellow!!!
And here's one for all you friendly boys across the pond...........
Did ya hear about the pilot who went and asked for that much-deserved payrise he'd been longing for????....................He was told to go and get forked!!!!!!!!
Have ya got all them nasty boxes unpacked? I haven't forgotten 'bout that bottle from the Margaret River part of the world either.
You never mentioned you had such a variety of endo's! My personal fave was always the big 2.5 tonne Hyster with reverse on one side of the gas pedal and forward on the other side!!! Any colour you like as long as it's yellow!!!
And here's one for all you friendly boys across the pond...........
Did ya hear about the pilot who went and asked for that much-deserved payrise he'd been longing for????....................He was told to go and get forked!!!!!!!!
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: australia
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kaptin M and RFG
I think you guys have summed it up beautifully. A couple mates of mine work as forklift drivers and crane operators. Both cashed up to the hilt, nice places in good suburbs, easy going, turn up to work in a singlet or t shirt and boots, good bosses, holidays, know and trust their workmates, have a laugh during the day........... I could go on.
I think the golden time to be a pilot must have been back in the seventies. Pilots that flew machines without all the gadgets and computers and still got there on time safely, held down there jobs and enjoyed going to work.
Technology and bad industrial relations has changed that industry forever. Yet, still the students are forking out for it. Go figure.
I think you guys have summed it up beautifully. A couple mates of mine work as forklift drivers and crane operators. Both cashed up to the hilt, nice places in good suburbs, easy going, turn up to work in a singlet or t shirt and boots, good bosses, holidays, know and trust their workmates, have a laugh during the day........... I could go on.
I think the golden time to be a pilot must have been back in the seventies. Pilots that flew machines without all the gadgets and computers and still got there on time safely, held down there jobs and enjoyed going to work.
Technology and bad industrial relations has changed that industry forever. Yet, still the students are forking out for it. Go figure.