Truck drivers in Australia typically earn between $65,000 and $100,000 per year in full-time employment, with significant variation depending on licence class, route type (metro vs interstate vs mining), and employment arrangements. Mining site and FIFO truck drivers earn substantially more.
Truck Driver Salary by Licence Class
| Licence Class | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Light rigid (LR) | $55,000–$70,000 |
| Medium rigid (MR) | $60,000–$75,000 |
| Heavy rigid (HR) | $65,000–$82,000 |
| Heavy combination (HC) | $72,000–$95,000 |
| Multi-combination (MC) / Road train | $80,000–$110,000 |
Truck Driver Salary by Route Type
| Route / Sector | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Metro delivery (short-haul) | $65,000–$82,000 |
| Interstate long-haul | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Bulk/liquid transport | $75,000–$95,000 |
| Refrigerated transport | $72,000–$92,000 |
| Mining site (surface) | $100,000–$140,000 |
| FIFO mining (remote WA/QLD) | $120,000–$180,000 |
Mining site drivers, particularly in remote WA, often earn well above standard industry rates due to FIFO premiums, shift allowances, and site loading rates.
Award Rates and Overtime
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, base minimum rates for HC and MC drivers are in the range of $27–$32/hour. However, overtime, weekend work, night allowances, and site loading rates mean effective hourly rates for experienced drivers often exceed $35–$45/hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do truck drivers earn in Australia?
Truck drivers typically earn $65,000–$100,000. With overtime and allowances, many experienced interstate and bulk drivers earn $80,000–$110,000. FIFO mining drivers in WA earn $120,000–$180,000.
Is truck driving a good career in Australia?
Truck driving offers consistent demand and strong job security. The industry faces a skilled driver shortage. For those willing to do FIFO or interstate work, incomes well above the national average are achievable without a university degree. The work is physically demanding and can involve irregular hours.
What licence do I need to drive a truck in Australia?
This depends on the vehicle size — LR, MR, HR, HC, and MC classes cover progressively larger combinations. Licences are issued by state road authorities. Some operators require additional endorsements (e.g., dangerous goods, load restraint).
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Salary data sourced from SEEK, Hays, Transport Workers Union, and ABS. Figures are approximate. This is general information only.