Minimum pay rates for bus drivers in Northern Territory under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063)
$26.74
Base rate/hr
$33.43
Casual rate/hr
Bus drivers transport passengers on scheduled routes, school runs, and charter services. They operate buses safely, collect fares, and assist passengers.
Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $26.74/hr | $1,016.12 | $52,838.24 |
| Part-time (adult) | $26.74/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.43/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020.
Saturday
$40.11/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$53.48/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$66.85/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($26.74/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Bus driver — standard route | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Grade 2 | Bus driver — charter / touring | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| Grade 3 | Senior driver / trainer | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
View full Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 pay rates →
Bus drivers frequently work split shifts and early starts. Common underpayment issues include not receiving proper split shift allowances and incorrect penalty rate calculations.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →The minimum hourly rate for a bus driver in Northern Territory is $26.74/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.43/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a bus driver is $26.74 per hour ($1,016.12 per week for a 38-hour week, or $52,838.24 per year). This is set by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Bus Drivers are covered by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Yes. Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020, bus drivers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($40.11/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($53.48/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($66.85/hr).
The casual rate for a bus driver is $33.43/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $26.74/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Bus drivers must hold appropriate licences. Junior rates do not apply. The Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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