Truck Driver Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Truck Drivers earn at least $28.67/hr (Grade 5), $35.84/hr casual — about $1,089 a week full-time — under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Every classification level, penalty rates below.
Truck Driver Pay Rate
Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038)
Truck drivers transport goods by road using light, medium, heavy, and multi-combination vehicles. Rates vary by vehicle class and licence type. Local and general haulage is covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award (MA000038); interstate long-haul work falls under the separate Long Distance Operations Award (MA000039).
$28.67
Base rate/hr
$35.84
Casual rate/hr
$28.67
$35.84
$1,089.46
$56,651.92
What Award Covers Truck Drivers?
Truck 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 truck 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).
Truck Driver Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | Two-axle rigid truck over 4.5t up to 13.9t GVM | $27.83 | $34.79 | $1,057.54 | $54,992.08 |
| Grade 4 | Three-axle rigid truck over 13.9t GVM | $28.32 | $35.40 | $1,076.16 | $55,960.32 |
| Grade 5 | Rigid truck 4+ axles / articulated vehicle up to 22.4t GCM | $28.67 | $35.84 | $1,089.46 | $56,651.92 |
| Grade 6 | Rigid + heavy trailer combination over 22.4t up to 53.4t GCM | $29.00 | $36.25 | $1,102.00 | $57,304.00 |
| Grade 7 | B-double up to 53.4t GCM / low loader over 43t GCM | $29.42 | $36.78 | $1,117.96 | $58,133.92 |
| Grade 8 | B-double or rigid + trailer(s) over 53.4t GCM | $30.28 | $37.85 | $1,150.64 | $59,833.28 |
Casual Truck Driver Pay Rate
Casual truck drivers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $28.67/hr to $35.84/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 truck driver working 38 hours per week would earn $70,819.84 (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 Truck Driver Pay Rate
Part-time truck drivers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($28.67/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.
Truck Driver Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when truck drivers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Grade 5 permanent employees ($28.67/hr base).
$43.01/hr
$57.34/hr
$71.68/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Truck Driver?
Truck drivers are often misclassified as independent contractors (sham contracting). If you drive your employer's truck, follow their directions, and don't have your own ABN business, you may be an employee entitled to award rates.
If you earn less than $28.67/hr as a full-time or part-time truck driver, or less than $35.84/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver | $28.67/hr | $35.84/hr | $56,651.92 | MA000038 |
| Delivery Driver | $27.51/hr | $34.39/hr | $54,359.76 | 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
More on the Transport Award
Transport Award (MA000038) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in transport & logistics
- NJE Aviation Services Engineering Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Little Red Trucks Victoria – TWU Enterprise Agreement 2026–2029
- Qube Logistics (NSW) and the TWU Road Transport Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Sea1 Offshore Australia Pty Ltd Engineer Officers Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Singapore Airlines Enterprise Agreement 2026
- K&S Energy (Townsville and Cairns) Drivers Enterprise Agreement 2026
Employer pay guides under the Transport Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck driver get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a truck driver in Australia is $28.67/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $35.84/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 truck driver?
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038), the minimum wage for a truck driver starts at $28.67/hr (Grade 5 adult rate). This equates to $1,089.46/week or $56,651.92/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers truck drivers?
Truck 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 truck drivers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a truck driver?
A casual truck driver receives $35.84/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $28.67/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a truck driver?
Under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, truck drivers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($43.01/hr), Sunday 2x ($57.34/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($71.68/hr) at Grade 5 rates.
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