How much does a train driver earn?
A train driver salary in Australia is typically measured as a median, not an average. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time earnings for train and tram drivers is $2,524 per week. That works out to about $131,248 per year (before tax, based on 52 weeks) and roughly $57.36 per hour on a 38-hour week.
This figure comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2023, and represents full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. It is a median, meaning half of train drivers earn more and half earn less. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. The train driver median sits well above that line.
How the train driver salary compares to the national average and minimum wage
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). The train driver median of $2,524 per week is about $131,248 per year. That is about $131,248 per year, which is above the national average. The all-employees median is $74,100 per year. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, $52,255 per year on 38 hours. The train driver median hourly rate of about $57.36 is more than double the minimum.
Demographics and industry
Train and tram drivers are a mature occupation with a median age of 47 years, and 14% female share. The occupation employs about 18,700 people. Most work full-time (98%). The industry is transport, postal and warehousing, where the full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,032.30 per week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026).
Tax and deductions
The Australian Taxation Office has a specific guide for train drivers covering income and allowances, and work-related deductions. Common deductions include uniforms, safety equipment, travel between depots, and union fees. The ATO advises what to include in your tax return and what not to.
How the figures are set
The pay for train drivers are often set by enterprise agreements and the Rail Industry Award. The median figure from Jobs and Skills Australia is a useful benchmark for benchmarking. For other occupations, see Job medians. You can also Place a salary on the line to see how any salary compares to the national full-time average.
State differences
The national full-time average varies by state. For example, New South Wales full-time average is about $109,658 in Victoria, $106,137 in Queensland, $106,064, South Australia $102, Western Australia $115,825, Tasmania $96,008, Northern Territory $103,173, Australian Capital Territory $119,090. The train driver median of $2,524 per week is above every state average except possibly the ACT? The ACT full-time average is $119,090 per year, which is below $131,248. So train drivers earn above the state average in all states.
Summary
A train driver salary in Australia is well above the national full-time average. The median full-time earnings of $2,524 per week ($131,248 per year) is a strong benchmark. For more context, see Guides on how salaries are set and About this site for methodology.