Truck Driver Salary Australia:
Complete 2025 Earnings Guide
Truck drivers are the backbone of Australia’s transport and logistics industry, moving goods across the vast continent and keeping the economy running. Suppose you’re considering a career as a truck driver or want to understand your earning potential. In that case, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what truck drivers earn across Australia in 2025, from entry-level positions to experienced multi-combination drivers.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Australia
The average truck driver in Australia earns between $75,000 and $90,000 per year, with an hourly rate of approximately $36 to $45. However, this broad average masks significant variation based on license class, experience, industry sector, and whether you work locally or long-haul.
Experienced multi-combination (MC) drivers working long-haul routes or in specialized sectors like mining can earn $115,000 to $160,000+ annually, making truck driving one of the most accessible pathways to a six-figure income in Australia.
Truck Driver Salary by License Class
Your truck license class is the primary determinant of your earning potential:
Light Rigid (LR) License
Light rigid trucks are the entry point to commercial driving:
- Annual salary: $55,000 – $70,000
- Hourly rate: $28 – $35 per hour
- Typical work: Local deliveries, small trucks, courier services
- Experience required: Minimal, entry-level positions available
LR drivers typically work local routes with regular hours and return home every night.
Medium Rigid (MR) License
Medium rigid drivers operate larger two-axle trucks:
- Annual salary: $65,000 – $80,000
- Hourly rate: $32 – $40 per hour
- Typical work: Medium deliveries, furniture removals, local freight
- Experience required: 1-2 years preferred
MR positions offer better pay than LR while still providing regular hours and local work.
Heavy Rigid (HR) License
Heavy rigid is where truck driving becomes a serious career:
- Annual salary: $75,000 – $90,000
- Hourly rate: $38 – $45 per hour
- Typical work: Heavy trucks, tipper trucks, concrete agitators, waste collection
- Experience required: 2+ years for most positions
HR drivers work across construction, waste management, and general freight sectors.
Heavy Combination (HC) License
HC drivers operate semi-trailers and represent experienced professionals:
- Annual salary: $85,000 – $115,000
- Hourly rate: $43 – $58 per hour (award rate $54.98/hour)
- Typical work: Interstate freight, long-haul, semi-trailers
- Experience required: 3-5 years typically required
HC drivers often work longer hours and on interstate routes, significantly boosting earnings through overtime and allowances.
Multi-Combination (MC) License
MC drivers represent the elite of truck driving, operating B-doubles and road trains:
- Annual salary: $115,000 – $135,000 (standard)
- Top earners: $140,000 – $160,000+
- Hourly rate: $56 – $68 per hour (award rate $56.55/hour)
- Typical work: Long-haul interstate, mining, livestock, fuel tankers
- Experience required: 5+ years, clean driving record essential
MC drivers who maximize their logbook hours and work specialized routes can earn exceptional incomes.
Truck Driver Salaries by Industry Sectorr
The industry you work in dramatically affects your earning potential:
General Freight and Logistics
The largest employer of truck drivers:
- LR/MR: $60,000 – $75,000
- HR: $75,000 – $90,000
- HC: $85,000 – $105,000
- MC: $105,000 – $125,000
General freight offers steady employment with predictable schedules.
Mining and Resources (FIFO)
The highest-paying sector for truck drivers:
- Haul truck operators: $100,000 – $140,000
- Light vehicle drivers: $80,000 – $100,000
- Heavy vehicle drivers: $110,000 – $150,000
- MC drivers (road trains): $130,000 – $180,000
Mining drivers work FIFO rosters with accommodation and meals provided, significantly increasing total compensation.
Construction and Earthmoving
Construction drivers operate specialized equipment:
- HR (tipper trucks): $80,000 – $95,000
- HR (concrete agitators): $85,000 – $100,000
- Specialized equipment: $90,000 – $110,000
Construction work often includes overtime and penalty rates for weekend work.
Fuel and Dangerous Goods
Specialized transport commands premium rates:
- Fuel tanker drivers: $88,000 – $115,000
- Dangerous goods: $90,000 – $120,000
- LPG/Gas transport: $95,000 – $125,000
Dangerous goods drivers require additional licensing and training, reflected in higher pay.
Livestock and Refrigerated Goods
Specialized transport with unique demands:
- Livestock (road trains): $110,000 – $140,000
- Refrigerated goods: $85,000 – $110,000
- Temperature-controlled: $90,000 – $115,000
These roles require specialized knowledge and often involve long-haul routes.
Waste Management
Steady employment with good conditions:
- Garbage truck drivers: $60,000 – $75,000
- Skip bin drivers: $65,000 – $80,000
- Recycling trucks: $65,000 – $80,000
Waste management offers regular hours, local routes, and stable employment.
Truck Driver Salaries by State and Territory
Geographic location affects truck driver salaries across Australia:
New South Wales (Sydney)
- HR: $78,000 – $92,000
- HC: $90,000 – $118,000
- MC: $118,000 – $140,000
- Metro premium: 10-15% above the regional NSW
Sydney’s high cost of living is offset by premium wages, particularly for port and metropolitan work.
Victoria (Melbourne)
- HR: $75,000 – $88,000
- HC: $88,000 – $112,000
- MC: $115,000 – $135,000
- Metro premium: Strong commercial and manufacturing sectors
Victoria offers competitive wages with diverse driving opportunities.
Queensland (Brisbane and Regional)
- HR: $75,000 – $90,000
- HC: $85,000 – $110,000
- MC: $110,000 – $130,000
- Mining regions: Significantly higher for FIFO roles
Queensland offers strong earning potential with lower living costs than those in southern states.
Western Australia (Perth and Mining)
- Perth HR: $78,000 – $95,000
- Perth HC: $92,000 – $120,000
- Perth MC: $120,000 – $145,000
- Mining FIFO: $110,000 – $180,000+
Western Australia offers the highest truck driver salaries, particularly in mining and resources.
South Australia (Adelaide)
- HR: $72,000 – $85,000
- HC: $82,000 – $105,000
- MC: $105,000 – $125,000
South Australia offers competitive wages with affordable living costs.
Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT
- Tasmania: $70,000 – $110,000 (depending on license)
- Northern Territory: $80,000 – $130,000 (premium for remote work)
- ACT: $75,000 – $120,000
Smaller markets with varying demand and opportunities.
Additional Income and Benefits
Beyond base salary, truck drivers receive various additional benefits and allowances:
Allowances
- Meal allowance: $20 – $40 per day for overnight trips
- Overnight allowance: $50 – $100 per night away from home
- Loading/unloading: Additional payments for manual handling
- Dangerous goods allowance: $3 – $8 per hour
- Fuel card: For long-haul drivers
Overtime and Penalty Rates
- Overtime: Time-and-a-half after standard hours
- Weekend work: Saturday (1.5x), Sunday (2x)
- Public holidays: Double time or more
- Night shift: +15-25% loading
Vehicle and Equipment
Many employers provide:
- Company truck (no personal vehicle needed)
- Fuel card for personal use
- Accommodation for overnight trips
- Mobile phone and communication devices
Superannuation
- Standard rate: 11.5% of base salary (2025)
- Annual contribution: $8,625 – $15,525 for an average truck driver
Maximizing Your Truck Driver Salary
To achieve the highest possible earnings as a truck driver, consider these strategies:
- Progress Through License Classes
Start with HR and progressively upgrade to HC and MC. Each license class increases your earning potential by $10,000 – $30,000 annually.
- Obtain Specialized Endorsements
- Dangerous goods license: +$5,000 – $15,000 annually
- Oversized/heavy haulage: +$10,000 – $20,000 annually
- B-double and road train experience: +$15,000 – $30,000 annually
- Consider Long-Haul and Interstate Work
Long-haul drivers earn significantly more through:
- Higher base rates
- Overnight allowances
- Meal allowances
- Increased hours and overtime
- Explore FIFO Mining Opportunities
Mining truck drivers earn 30-80% more than metropolitan counterparts, with accommodation and meals provided.
- Maximize Your Hours
Drivers who fully utilize their logbook hours (within legal limits) can earn $130,000 – $160,000+ annually through overtime and allowances.
- Develop a Clean Driving Record
A clean driving record and safety-conscious approach make you more valuable and employable, opening doors to premium positions.
- Build Specialized Skills
Expertise in specific areas (livestock handling, refrigerated goods, fuel transport) commands premium rates.
The Reality of Truck Driver Earnings
It’s essential to understand the complete picture of truck driver earnings:
High Earners ($130,000 – $160,000)
These drivers typically:
- Hold an MC license
- Work long-haul interstate routes
- Maximize logbook hours (within legal limits)
- Work weekends and public holidays
- Have 5-10+ years of experience
- Work in specialized sectors (mining, fuel, livestock)
Average Earners ($75,000 – $90,000)
These drivers typically:
- Hold an HR or HC license
- Work standard hours with some overtime
- Mix of local and regional work
- 2-5 years of experience
- General freight and logistics
Entry-Level Earners ($55,000 – $70,000)
These drivers typically:
- Hold an LR or an MR license
- Work local routes
- Standard hours, minimal overtime
- Less than 2 years of experience
- Courier, delivery, or local freight
The Future Outlook for Truck Driver Salaries
The outlook for truck driver salaries in Australia remains strong due to several factors:
Growing Demand Drivers
- E-commerce boom: Increased demand for freight and delivery services
- Infrastructure projects: Major construction driving demand for heavy vehicles
- Mining expansion: Ongoing resource sector growth
- Supply chain complexity: Growing need for skilled logistics professionals
Driver Shortages
Australia faces an ongoing shortage of qualified truck drivers, particularly MC-licensed drivers with clean records. This skills gap supports strong wage growth.
Regulatory Changes
Increasing safety regulations and compliance requirements favor experienced, professional drivers who can command premium rates.
Conclusion
Truck driver salaries in Australia offer solid earning potential, with average wages of $75,000-$90,000 and top earners exceeding $150,000 annually. By progressively upgrading your license class, obtaining specialized endorsements, and considering long-haul or FIFO opportunities, you can position yourself at the top of the truck driver salary scale.
The trucking profession offers a clear pathway to a comfortable middle-class income, with an MC license opening the door to six-figure earnings. With ongoing driver shortages, strong demand across multiple sectors, and the essential nature of freight transport, the future for truck drivers in Australia remains bright.
Whether you’re just starting with an LR license or looking to maximize your earnings as an MC driver, understanding the salary landscape helps you make informed career decisions and achieve your financial goals.
Related Articles:
- How to Become a Truck Driver in Australia
- MC License Guide: Complete Training Information
- FIFO Truck Driver Jobs and Salaries
- Highest Paying Driving Jobs in Australia