How much do train drivers earn? Salary explained amid strike action

Union members have planned further walkouts for February and March.
Mass UK strike action
PA
Maryam Kara2 February 2024

Aslef and RMT union members will take part in fresh train and rail strikes in February and March. 

Seventeen train companies will be affected by the strikes.

On the overground, more than 300 union members will stage two 48-hour strikes after receiving a lower-than-inflation pay offer, the RMT said.

Security, station, revenue and control staff will be taking industrial action.

They will walk out on the following dates:

February rail strikes

Friday, February 2

C2C

Greater Anglia

LNER

Saturday, February 3

Avanti West Coast

East Midlands Railway

West Midlands Trains

Monday, February 5

Chiltern

CrossCountry

Great Western Railway

London Overground

Security, station, revenue and control staff are among those taking industrial action on the following dates

Monday, February 19

Tuesday, February 20

Monday, March 4

Tuesday, March 5

So how much do train drivers in the UK earn?

According to the Government website, Engine, London Underground, Eurostar and tube drivers can all expect to see a starting annual salary from £24,000 for a 35 to 40-hour week.

More experienced drivers' salaries can exceed £65,000.

Reed reckons they are on average £48,500 per year currently in the UK and £58,795 in London, as experienced drivers can even rake in £69,000 yearly.

Meanwhile, earnings in Scotland start at £38,194 for newly qualified drivers, rising to £48,360 after the probation period.

Train driver salaries can also differ between commercial or freight roles. The average freight train driver wage in the UK is £44,418.

How do people become train drivers?

Individuals looking to become train drivers will need to be at least 20 or 21 years of age depending on the company, live within one hour's travel of the depot applied to and pass enhanced background checks and a medical check. They are generally asked to do some sort of apprenticeship or training at the start.

Employers will expect to see GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. It has been said that whilst a degree is not really a necessary qualification, ALevel results can only help.

Visit gov.uk to learn more about the relevant criteria.

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