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How much are train drivers paid across Australia?

April Glover
April Glover

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Train driver renumeration has been the focus of major industrial action in NSW, resulting in disruptions, delays and commuter chaos.

While Transport for NSW workers were offered the promise of a pay rise from the state government following weeks of strikes, the salaries paid to rail workers across Australia look little different.

Here, we break down the salaries of train drivers across public and private rail in each state and territory.

Read on to see them all.

Attribution: Nine
Sydney train drivers
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Sydney train drivers

The average salary for a Sydney Trains driver is $128,196, which includes overtime and allowances, according to Transport for NSW.

Train workers across NSW were offered a 15 per cent pay rise over four years following the industrial action late last year and throughout January.

The union has asked for a 32 per cent increase over four years.

Read more about it here.

Note: Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not have dedicated passenger rail networks.

Attribution: Nick Moir
Melbourne train drivers
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Melbourne train drivers

Train drivers who work on Melbourne's busy metro take home an average annual pay packet of $110,124, Indeed reports.

On the higher-end of the scale, experienced drivers can earn up to $182,000.

Attribution: 9News
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Queensland train drivers
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Queensland train drivers

The average train driver's salary in Queensland's capital Brisbane is around $100,000, according to Cert.edu.au.

This doesn't include overtime and penalty rates, which can increase overall compensation significantly.

Indeed reports the highest average salary reported for Queensland Rail drivers, not including overtime, is $153,000.

Attribution: Jorge Branco
Perth train drivers
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Perth train drivers

Fully-trained Perth drivers are offered a base salary of $83,304 when they are just starting off, plus penalties.

Attribution: Eric Jonasson
Canberra tram drivers
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Canberra tram drivers

Canberra has a tram network across the city and light rail drivers are paid a base average salary of around $78,000, according to Glassdoor.

Attribution: Facebook/Transport Canberra
Adelaide train drivers
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Adelaide train drivers

Suburban train drivers on Adelaide's metro system are paid an average of $65,728.

Attribution: Nine
Aurizon train drivers
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Aurizon train drivers

Aurizon is Australia's largest rail freight operator, employs drivers across the country.

The private company pays an average salary of $120,000 for drivers, Jobted reports.

Attribution: Aurizon
Rio Tinto train drivers
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Rio Tinto train drivers

Rio Tinto train drivers, who work in private rail, are paid a little more per year.

According to Jobted, these drivers are offered a handsome average salary of $178,000.

Attribution: Krystle Wright
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