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Tram Driver Salary Melbourne: How It Compares to the National Full-Time Average

Specific salary data for tram drivers in Melbourne is not published by the ABS or Fair Work, but award rates under the Rail Industry Award and Victorian state averages provide context.

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Where Does a Tram Driver Salary in Melbourne Sit Against the National Full-Time Average?

If you are looking for a precise "tram driver salary Melbourne", the short answer is that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Fair Work do not publish a specific average or median figure for this occupation in Melbourne. The most recent data from shows that median weekly earnings for Tram Drivers nationally are listed as "N/A" because the occupation is small (about 1,600 workers) and the data is not reliable. However, we can still place the role in context using the national full-time average, state averages, and award rates.

The National Full-Time Average: The Line on the Site

This site uses the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, as its benchmark line. For full-time adult ordinary time earnings, the national average is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the figure you see on Place a salary on the line. It is an average across all industries and occupations, not a median. The full-time median from the ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025, is lower at about $90,532 per year, reflecting that higher earners pull the average up.

State Averages: Victoria in Context

Victoria's full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings is $2,041.10, or about $106,137 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). This is slightly below the national average. Melbourne, as the capital, likely has earnings close to the state figure. For a tram driver, the actual pay may be below this state average, as award-based roles often sit below the market average for all full-time workers.

Award Coverage for Tram Drivers

Tram drivers in Melbourne are covered by the Rail Industry Award 2020 (MA000063). Fair Work publishes a pay guide for this award. The rates from 1 July 2026 set minimum weekly pay for full-time adult employees. For example, a Grade 1 tram driver receives a minimum weekly rate of $1,038.80 (based on 38 hours), which is about **$54,017 per year. Higher grades earn more, up to Grade 6 at $1,280.50 per week ($66,586 per year). These are minimum rates are well below the national full-time average of $108,352. Even the highest Grade 6 rate is still about $42,000 below the national average. This shows that tram drivers typically earn less than the average full-time worker.

How the Figures Compare

  • National full-time average: $2,083.70/week ($108,352/year)
  • Victoria full-time average: $2,041.10/week ($106,137/year)
  • Rail Industry Award Grade 1 minimum: $1,038.80/week ($54,017/year)
  • Rail Industry Award Grade 6 minimum: $1,280.50/week ($66,586/year)
  • National minimum wage (from 1 July 2026): $26.44/hour, $1,004.90/week, $52,255/year

A tram driver at the top of the award scale earns about 61% of the national full-time average. Most tram drivers would be somewhere between Grade 1 and Grade 6 depending on experience and classification.

Medians and Other Benchmarks

The full-time median for all employees is about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median (including part-time) is about $74,100. Even the highest award rate for tram drivers is below the full-time median, suggesting that tram drivers typically earn less than the typical full-time worker.

What About Melbourne Specifically?

The ABS does not break down earnings by occupation for cities. However, the Victorian state average is a reasonable proxy for Melbourne. Tram drivers in Melbourne may earn slightly more than the award minimum due to enterprise agreements or over-award payments, but no public data confirms this. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help calculate exact pay based on your classification and employer.

Using This Site's Tools

You can use Place a salary on the line to see how any salary compares to the national full-time average. For example, entering the Grade 6 award rate of $66,586 shows it is about $41,766 below the line. You can also explore States and territories to see how Victoria compares to other states, or Job medians for other roles.

Conclusion

While there is no published "tram driver salary Melbourne" figure, the best available data shows that tram drivers are paid under the Rail Industry Award with minimum rates between about $54,000 and $66,600 per year. This is significantly below the national full-time average of $108,352 and the Victorian average of $106,137. If you are a tram driver or employer, check your award classification and use the Fair Work tools to ensure you are receiving the correct minimum pay.

For more detail on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set. For general guides on salaries and awards, visit Guides.

Questions

What is the average salary for a tram driver in Melbourne?

The ABS does not publish a specific average salary for tram drivers in Melbourne. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Tram Drivers (national) lists median weekly earnings as 'N/A', meaning the figure is not available due to the small size of the occupation (about 1,600 workers nationally). The best guide is the relevant award rate under the Rail Industry Award 2020, which sets minimum pay for tram drivers. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate exact rates based on classification and experience.

How does a tram driver's pay compare to the national full-time average?

Without a published average for tram drivers, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Tram drivers are typically covered by an award that sets minimum rates below this average. For example, the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award (which may not apply to trams) has Grade 1 rates of $1,038.80 per week. The Rail Industry Award rates are likely higher but still below the national average. The full-time median for all occupations is about $90,532 per year.

What award covers tram drivers in Melbourne?

Tram drivers in Melbourne are generally covered by the Rail Industry Award 2020 (MA000063). This award covers employees in the rail industry, including tram drivers. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide for this award. The rates are updated each year. For the latest rates from 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Grade 1 tram driver is $27.34 per hour for a full-time adult. You can find the full award summary on the Fair Work website.

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