Minimum pay rates for truck drivers in Victoria under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038)
$28.67
Base rate/hr
$35.84
Casual rate/hr
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).
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $28.67/hr | $1,089.46 | $56,651.92 |
| Part-time (adult) | $28.67/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $35.84/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020.
Saturday
$43.01/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$57.34/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$71.68/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($28.67/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 3 | Two-axle rigid truck over 4.5t up to 13.9t GVM | $27.83 | $34.79 | $54,992.08 |
| Grade 4 | Three-axle rigid truck over 13.9t GVM | $28.32 | $35.40 | $55,960.32 |
| Grade 5 | Rigid truck 4+ axles / articulated vehicle up to 22.4t GCM | $28.67 | $35.84 | $56,651.92 |
| Grade 6 | Rigid + heavy trailer combination over 22.4t up to 53.4t GCM | $29.00 | $36.25 | $57,304.00 |
| Grade 7 | B-double up to 53.4t GCM / low loader over 43t GCM | $29.42 | $36.78 | $58,133.92 |
| Grade 8 | B-double or rigid + trailer(s) over 53.4t GCM | $30.28 | $37.85 | $59,833.28 |
View full Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 pay rates →
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 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 →| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver | $27.51/hr | $34.39/hr | $55.02/hr |
The minimum hourly rate for a truck driver in Victoria is $28.67/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.84/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038), effective from 1 July 2026.
The minimum wage for a truck driver is $28.67 per hour ($1,089.46 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,651.92 per year). This is set by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Truck Drivers are covered by the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 (MA000038). 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 Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, truck drivers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($43.01/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.34/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.68/hr).
The casual rate for a truck driver is $35.84/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.67/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Truck driving requires a licence and minimum age requirements. Junior rates do not typically apply. The Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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