Tube drivers in London earn a starting salary of about £71,160 as reported by Transport for London (TfL) in 2025. With overtime and shift allowances, typical total earnings for many drivers range between £70,000 and £80,000 annually. Drivers on the Elizabeth Line earn somewhat higher, around £75,000. For perspective, this salary is higher than that of resident doctors starting in the NHS and ranks among the highest public sector starting salaries in London. The average hourly pay rate is around £35.70 for regular operators and can be higher for advanced operators, with overtime rates significantly above base pay. Key points:
- Starting salary is approximately £71,160.
- Total earnings including overtime can reach £70,000 to £80,000.
- Elizabeth Line drivers earn about £75,000.
- The hourly base rate is about £35.70.
- TfL drivers are among the highest paid in the public sector and out-earn several professional groups like doctors and teachers.
- Union disputes revolve around pay, working hours reduction (from 35 to 32 hours a week), and working conditions.
These figures make London Tube drivers some of the highest-paid subway operators globally, comparable only to Denmark.
