Train drivers' earnings vary significantly by country, company, experience, and role type (passenger or freight). Here are some examples of earnings in key regions:
- In the UK, the average train driver salary is about £48,500 per year, starting around £30,000 and potentially exceeding £65,000 with experience. Salaries in London can be higher, reaching £58,795 or more, and train driver managers can earn up to about £72,650. Entry trainee salaries start near £25,000.
- In the United States, train drivers (locomotive engineers) earn an average around $77,400 annually, varying by location and employer.
- In Austria, train drivers earn between approximately €2,000 and €3,500 per month, depending on experience and location.
- In Switzerland, after training, beginning salaries for train drivers are about CHF 5,723 gross per month.
Salaries can also differ between passenger and freight train drivers and may include additional allowances for shift work or hazard pay. Therefore, train driver earnings broadly range from around £25,000 starting up to £70,000+ or $77,000+ or equivalent local currencies in Europe and the US depending on experience and location.
