Train driver | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Train drivers operate trains on the rail network, carrying passengers and freight around the country.

Overview
  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.  
  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.  
  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.  
  • Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.  
  • Observe tracks to detect obstructions.  
  • Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.  
  • Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.  
  • Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.  
  • Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.  
  • Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.  
  • Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.  
  • Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.  
  • Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.  
  • Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.  
  • Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks.  
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Train drivers typically work around 35 to 40 hours per week.

As a Train driver you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

Read more about Train driver

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
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    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
    Read more about Train driver
    Average salary
    57,323 GBP
    per year *
    20,000 GBP
    60,000 GBP
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average Salary
    • 57,323 GBP
    • 54,240 GBP
    • 57,703 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Train driver
    • 32,805 GBP
    • 57,323 GBP
    • 54,240 GBP
    • 57,703 GBP
    Salary over time for Train driver
    • 52,518 GBP
    • 54,261 GBP
    • 57,904 GBP
    • 57,323 GBP
    • 58,256 GBP

    Future outlook for Train drivers

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