Train and tram drivers
£61,007
Average salary
42 hours
Average weekly hours
7.4%
Unemployment rate
Definition: Train and tram drivers
*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 8231
Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.
Common tasks include:
- checks controls, gauges, brakes and lights before start of journey and studies route, timetable and track information
- checks safety equipment, regulates the heating of passenger compartments and records engine defects or unusual incidents on the journey
- starts train or tram when directed and operates controls to regulate speed
- watches for track hazards, observes signals and temperature, pressure and other gauges
- stops as directed to allow passengers to embark/ disembark
- makes scheduled stops for the loading and unloading of freight and coupling/uncoupling of carriages and tubs
- maintains radio contact with control centre
- may make passenger announcements and controls automatic doors
- may check travel passes, collect fares and deal with passenger queries
Qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements. Entrants must pass a series of tests and a medical examination. Age restrictions apply in some areas of work. Good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs are available at Level 2.
*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.
Employment status: Train and tram drivers
Regional employment: Train and tram drivers
Future employment: Train and tram drivers
Top 12 industries: Train and tram drivers
Alternative & related job titles: Train and tram drivers
Diesel driver (railways) Train driver Train operator Tram driver Shunter driver
Equality focus: Train and tram drivers
Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.
Breakdown by gender
£82,386
Female average annual salary
£59,964
Male average annual salary
43
Female average weekly hours
42
Male average weekly hours
Average pay per hour: Train and tram drivers
Workforce gender: Train and tram drivers
Breakdown by region
£68,307
South East (England) - highest annual average salary
£55,793
Wales - lowest annual average salary
52
Wales - Highest average weekly hours
36
South West (England) - Lowest average weekly hours
Average pay per week (£): Train and tram drivers
Average weekly hours by UK region/nation: Train and tram drivers
Breakdown by age
20 years
Lowest annual salary (£22,421)
years
Highest annual salary (£0) at this age