Train and tram drivers Pay Data UK — 2025

Train and tram drivers roles in the UK earn a median of £77,000 per year, equivalent to £38.82 per hour as of 2025. Pay increased 28.1% compared to the previous year. Regionally, pay ranges from £67,500 in West Midlands to £88,500 in South West. Pay has risen over the past 4 years. The ONS national median for this occupation is £76,327/yr (1% above our computed national average).

Labour Market

Employment figures from ONS Annual Population Survey (APS). Counts are estimates; suppressed cells (small samples) are excluded from totals.

Pay by Region

Annual pay for Train and tram drivers across UK regions. The bar shows the typical pay range (25th–75th percentile); the diamond marks the median.

Source: ONS ASHE. Based on broad UK regions (NUTS1).

How Pay Has Changed Over Time

Annual pay grew by +28.1% from 2024 to 2025.

National average (NUTS1 actuals) based on ONS ASHE April snapshot. Shaded band shows 25th–75th percentile range.

Year-on-Year Pay Change

Annual percentage change in median pay for Train and tram drivers.

Percentage change from the prior year's April figure.

About Train and tram drivers

Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• checks controls, gauges, brakes and lights before start of journey and studies route, timetable and track information
• checks safety equipment, regulates the heating of passenger compartments and records engine defects or unusual incidents on the journey
• starts train or tram when directed and operates controls to regulate speed
• watches for track hazards, observes signals and temperature, pressure and other gauges
• stops as directed to allow passengers to embark/ disembark
• makes scheduled stops for the loading and unloading of freight and coupling/uncoupling of carriages and tubs
• maintains radio contact with control centre
• may make passenger announcements and controls automatic doors
• may check travel passes, collect fares and deal with passenger queries

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic requirements. Entrants must pass a series of tests and a medical examination. Age restrictions apply in some areas of work. Good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs are available at level 2.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.