Bus driver salary in Australia: the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award minimum for every level from 1 July 2026, what each level covers, casual rates, what bus drivers actually earn according to the ATO, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A bus driver earns at least $27.34 an hour ($54,018 a year) at Grade 1, up to $33.70 ($66,586) at Grade 6. The ATO median for bus drivers was $65,481 in 2023-24.
Private bus and coach companies pay drivers under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, with the grade depending on the vehicle size and the type of service. Most metropolitan route bus drivers work for operators with enterprise agreements that pay more than the award.
Bus driver award pay rates
| Level and what it covers | Hourly | Casual hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 Yard work, cleaning, refuelling, supervising school children on buses, coach attendants (no driving with passengers) | $27.34 | $34.18 | $54,018 | $1,785 |
| Grade 2 Ticketing, conducting and customer service duties | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,271 | $1,817 |
| Grade 3 School bus (25 or more children), route bus under 25 passengers, charter and single-day tour coach driver | $29.55 | $36.94 | $58,386 | $1,896 |
| Grade 4 Route bus with 25 or more passengers; coach driver on extended tours of 650 km or more | $30.59 | $38.24 | $60,445 | $1,949 |
| Grade 5 Driver with more skills and responsibility, such as instructing other employees | $32.27 | $40.34 | $63,768 | $2,034 |
| Grade 6 Highest grade under the award | $33.70 | $42.13 | $66,586 | $2,106 |
Full-time 38 hours a week; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Casual rates include the 25% loading. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
What bus drivers actually earn
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median salary or wage | Average salary or wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus driver | 40,013 | $65,481 | $62,400 |
| Coach driver | 1,366 | $58,693 | $57,289 |
| Charter bus driver | 1,439 | $46,193 | $49,403 |
ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A. Includes part-time workers and overtime.
Government-contracted route bus operators in the capital cities mostly have enterprise agreements above these rates; check your operator's agreement.
See also train driver salary, truck driver award pay.
Common questions
How much does a bus driver earn in Australia?
The award minimum runs from $27.34 an hour ($54,018 a year full time) at Grade 1 to $33.70 ($66,586) at Grade 6, from 1 July 2026. The ATO median salary or wage for bus drivers was $65,481 in 2023-24, including part-timers.
What is the casual rate for a bus driver?
$34.18 to $42.13 an hour under the award, including the 25% casual loading.
Which award covers bus drivers?
The Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award [MA000063]. Government-contracted route bus operators in the capital cities mostly have enterprise agreements above these rates; check your operator's agreement.
When do award rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, after the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide and award text (Schedule A), Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award [MA000063]; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.