Train and tram drivers

£62,050

Average salary

Average annual salary UK 2020 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

39 hours

Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours UK 2019 | Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

3.97%

Unemployment rate

Unemployment rate UK 2020 | Labour Force Survey

Definition: Train and tram drivers

*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 8231

Job holders in this unit group 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

Driver, engine (railways) Driver (railways) Driver, car, rail Driver, engine, shunting Driver, engine, railway Engineman (railways) Operator, train Driver, engine, locomotive Driver, locomotive Driver, tram Driver, train Driver, loco Driver, car, shuttle Driver, shunter Driver, diesel (railways)

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.