Delivery Driver Pay Rate Australia 2026
Minimum pay rates for delivery drivers under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Delivery Driver Pay Rate
Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038)
Delivery drivers transport goods from warehouses to businesses and consumers. They load and unload freight, plan routes, and maintain delivery records. Local and multi-drop delivery work is covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award (MA000038); interstate long-haul work falls under the separate Long Distance Operations Award (MA000039).
$27.51
Base rate/hr
$34.39
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$27.51
Hourly (Casual)
$34.39
Weekly (38hrs)
$1,045.38
Annual (Full-Time)
$54,359.76
What Award Covers Delivery Drivers?
Delivery Drivers in Australia are generally covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some delivery drivers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
Delivery Driver Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Courier (foot or bicycle) / loader | $26.87 | $33.59 | $1,021.06 | $53,095.12 |
| Grade 2 | Driver of rigid vehicle up to 4.5t GVM — vans and utes (most local multi-drop delivery drivers) | $27.51 | $34.39 | $1,045.38 | $54,359.76 |
| Grade 3 | Driver of rigid vehicle over 4.5t up to 13.9t GVM | $27.83 | $34.79 | $1,057.54 | $54,992.08 |
| Grade 5 | Driver of articulated vehicle (3 axles, up to 22.4t GCM) | $28.67 | $35.84 | $1,089.46 | $56,651.92 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual Delivery Driver Pay Rate
Casual delivery drivers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $27.51/hr to $34.39/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual delivery driver working 38 hours per week would earn $67,954.64 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Delivery Driver Pay Rate
Part-time delivery drivers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($27.51/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Delivery Driver Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when delivery drivers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($27.51/hr base).
Saturday
$41.27/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$55.02/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$68.78/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
Am I Being Underpaid as a Delivery Driver?
Delivery drivers are frequently misclassified as independent contractors, especially in gig economy roles. Employees are entitled to award minimums, overtime, and penalty rates.
If you earn less than $27.51/hr as a full-time or part-time delivery driver, or less than $34.39/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver | $27.51/hr | $34.39/hr | $54,359.76 | MA000038 |
| Truck Driver | $28.67/hr | $35.84/hr | $56,651.92 | MA000038 |
| Retail Worker | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $54,952.56 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $26.44/hr | $33.05/hr | $52,245.44 | MA000009 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a delivery driver get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a delivery driver in Australia is $27.51/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $34.39/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a delivery driver?
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038), the minimum wage for a delivery driver starts at $27.51/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,045.38/week or $54,359.76/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers delivery drivers?
Delivery Drivers in Australia are generally covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some delivery drivers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a delivery driver?
A casual delivery driver receives $34.39/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $27.51/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a delivery driver?
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, delivery drivers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($41.27/hr), Sunday 2x ($55.02/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($68.78/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.