Train driver salaries in 2026 from the enterprise agreements: Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink drivers and guards, and Metro Trains Melbourne drivers, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A qualified Sydney Trains driver gets $101,899 a year in base pay, and a qualified Metro Trains Melbourne driver gets $135,657, before shift penalties and overtime.
Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink train crew
Weekly rates from 1 July 2026. "Per year" uses the rate with the industry allowance × 52.
| Classification | Weekly | Weekly with industry allowance | Per year | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver 1 Year Trainee | $1,699.05 | $1,797.30 | $93,460 | $2,809 |
| Driver 1 Year Competent | $1,734.80 | $1,833.05 | $95,319 | $2,858 |
| Driver 2nd Year | $1,818.70 | $1,916.95 | $99,681 | $2,972 |
| Driver Thereafter | $1,861.35 | $1,959.60 | $101,899 | $3,030 |
| Driver Trainer | $2,082.20 | $2,180.45 | $113,383 | $3,330 |
| Principal Driver | $2,157.05 | $2,255.30 | $117,276 | $3,432 |
| Principal Driver Intercity | $2,157.05 | $2,255.30 | $117,276 | $3,432 |
| Guard 1 Year Trainee | $1,506.10 | $1,604.35 | $83,426 | $2,547 |
| Guard 1 Year Completion | $1,557.55 | $1,655.80 | $86,102 | $2,617 |
| Guard 2nd Year | $1,582.70 | $1,680.95 | $87,409 | $2,651 |
| Guard Thereafter | $1,620.00 | $1,718.25 | $89,349 | $2,701 |
| Guard Trainer | $1,843.60 | $1,941.85 | $100,976 | $3,006 |
| Principal Guard | $1,912.55 | $2,010.80 | $104,562 | $3,099 |
Metro Trains Melbourne drivers
Rates from the first pay period in July 2026. Annual salary = hourly rate × 1,976 hours.
| Classification | Hourly | Per year | Take-home per fortnight | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Driver | $39.92 | $78,880 | $2,428 | $80,261 |
| Qualified Driver Level 1 | $46.60 | $92,077 | $2,773 | $93,688 |
| Loco Driver (conversion) | $64.06 | $126,585 | $3,675 | $128,800 |
| Qualified Driver (SPOT) | $68.65 | $135,657 | $3,911 | $138,031 |
| TSO (Principal Driver) | $84.70 | $167,361 | $4,655 | $170,290 |
How it works
- These are base rates. Train crew work rotating rosters, so shift penalties, weekend rates and overtime usually add a lot to what drivers actually earn.
- Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27, without HELP repayments. Super is paid on top.
- Other operators (Queensland Rail, Transperth, V/Line, freight railways) have their own agreements.
See also public service pay, the overtime calculator and the salary after tax tables.
Common questions
How much does a train driver earn in Australia?
A qualified Sydney Trains driver gets $101,899 a year in base pay ($1,959.60 a week with the industry allowance) from 1 July 2026. A qualified Metro Trains Melbourne driver gets $135,657. Shift penalties and overtime usually add a lot on top.
How much do trainee train drivers earn?
Sydney Trains trainee drivers start on $1,797.30 a week ($93,460 a year) including the industry allowance. Metro Trains Melbourne trainee drivers get $78,880 a year.
What is the industry allowance at Sydney Trains?
An all-purpose allowance added to the weekly rate for eligible employees: about $98.25 a week from 1 July 2026. The table shows rates with and without it.
How do Melbourne train drivers progress?
After six months as a Qualified Driver Level 1 there's a competence and performance assessment. If successful, the driver moves to the Qualified Driver (SPOT) rate.
When do train drivers get their next pay rise?
Sydney Trains: from 1 July 2027 under the 2025 agreement. Metro Trains Melbourne: 1.75% from January 2027.
Sources: Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement 2025 (AG2025/2215), Schedule 4A; Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd Rail Operations Enterprise Agreement 2023 (AE523679), Schedule B. Not affiliated with any rail operator. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.