How much does a train driver earn in the UK? Salary explained
NOT every job requires you to be a commuter, this one in particular will see you carry them to their destination.
Here, we look at the salary of a train driver in the UK.
What is a train driver's salary in the UK?
The amount train drivers earn depends on the company they work for and their experience.
Recruitment website Reed estimated the average train driver salary to be £48,500 a year in the UK.
The starting salary is around £30,000 and once you earn more experience, you can see yourself earning over £65,000.
A train driver in London can see him or herself earning £58,795 and experienced workers can earn over £69,000.
In Scotland, most train drivers start off with £38,195 and once the probation period ends they can see their pay rise to £48,360.
Drivers work an average of 35 to 40 hours a week, including weekend and evening shifts.
Benefits include free or cut-price travel.
How do you become a train driver?
To become a train driver you need to apply for a training programme with an operating company.
Normally you'll need to be over 20 years old to work on the national rail network or over 18 for the Tube.
You'll also need to live within one hour of the area you are applying to work in.
Alternatively you could start out by doing another job such as passenger assistant or conductor, and then apply for trainee driver posts when they become available, or do a train driver advanced apprenticeship at a train operating company.
What qualifications do you need to become a train driver?
When applying for trainee driver, or to be an apprentice, employers will usually expect GCSEs in English and Maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent.
The training programme can last between 12 and 24 months.
You'll also need to:
- Live within an hour's travel of the depot you're applying to
- Pass enhanced background checks and a medical check
Drivers are responsible for the safety of hundreds of people every day so they need to be sure new recruits can handle it.
Do you get paid while training to become a train driver?
If you're interested in a career as a driver, you may be wondering whether you can afford to train.
The good news is, you shouldn't have to pay to get your ambitions on track.
Drivers are employed while they are training and get paid the entry salary for that operator.
What age do train drivers retire?
There is no age limit for train drivers.
Drivers' union Aslef has said they should retire at the state pension age.
Some drivers on older contracts were able to retire any time after the age of 50.
Why do train drivers always go on strike?
The unions are in dispute with the government and rail companies about pay, job cuts and changes to terms and conditions.
Unions say any pay offer should reflect the rising cost of living - currently above 10%.
The rail industry is also under pressure to save money following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Network Rail and 14 other transport operators are all striking with four unions - RMT, Aslef, Unite and the TSSA - fighting for train drivers' rights.
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