Train driver salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

Train driver salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

When people ask about a train driver salary, they usually want to know how the pay compares to other jobs and to the national average. The answer depends on whether you look at the median earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics or the minimum rates set by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This guide explains both, using the Salary Index to show where train driver pay sits against the national line.

What the data says about train driver pay

According to, Train and Tram Drivers (ANZSCO 7313) have a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,524. That’s based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours from May 2023. Almost all train drivers work full-time (98%), with average hours of 44 per week. The median hourly rate is $61.

To put that on the Salary Index, we annualise the weekly figure: $2,524 × 52 = $131,248. The national line (index 100) is full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). So the index for a median train driver is about 121 – well above the national average. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2.

Award minimums for train drivers

Train drivers are covered by the Rail Industry Award 2020 (MA000015), which the publishes. The award has several classification streams: Operations (Op), CAP, and TCI. The lowest rate for a Level 1 Rail Worker (Op) is $25.74 per hour, or $978.10 per week. That annualises to about $50,861 – index 47. At the top of the CAP stream, a Level 9 Rail Worker earns $52.19 per hour, or $1,983.20 per week, annualising to $103,126 – index 95.

These award rates are minimums. Most train drivers are employed under enterprise agreements that pay more. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows that award minima increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026, consistent with the Annual Wage Review.

How the Salary Index works

The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark of full-time adult ordinary-time earnings. To calculate it: (your yearly gross pay ÷ $108,352) × 100. An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. Above 100 is above average; below 100 is below. For example, the median train driver index of 121 means they earn 21% more than the typical full-time worker.

You can explore how different industries and states compare on the index. For instance, Mining has an index of 154.7, while Retail trade is 75.9. Train drivers fall between professional services (114.7) and education (105.5).

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of gross pay, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a train driver earning $131,248 would receive about $15,750 in super contributions annually. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above that. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A median train driver would fall in the 30% bracket, with a marginal rate of 32% including Medicare.

Where to find more information

If you’re comparing pay across roles, the Salary Index explains the methodology. For award rates and pay guides, visit pay guides. And for occupation-specific data, topics covers many roles.

Key takeaways

• The median train driver salary is around $131,248 per year, index 121.
• Award minimums range from $25.74/hr (index 47) to $52.19/hr (index 95).
• Most train drivers earn above award through enterprise agreements.
• The role is almost entirely full-time, with above-average hours.

Train driving remains a well-paid occupation in Australia, consistently above the national line. Whether you’re starting out or experienced, the pay reflects the responsibility and skill required.