Truck driver salary: what you take home after tax and Medicare
Median full-time weekly earnings for truck drivers are $1,780 before tax, with award minimum rates from $1,021 to $1,198.80 per week. After income tax and Medicare, a median earner takes home around $1,390 per week.
Understanding your truck driver salary
If you drive trucks for a living, knowing what you’ll actually receive in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy is essential. This guide explains the award rates, median earnings, and how to estimate your take-home pay.
Award minimum rates
Fair Work’s Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 sets minimum weekly rates for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours. As of 1 July 2026, the rates are:
- Transport Worker Grade 1: $1,021.00 per week ($26.87 per hour)
- Transport Worker Grade 4: $1,076.20 per week ($28.32 per hour)
- Transport Worker Grade 7: $1,118.00 per week ($29.42 per hour)
- Transport Worker Grade 10: $1,198.80 per week ($31.55 per hour)
These are the minimums; many employers pay above award, especially for experienced drivers or specialised work like tanker or tow truck driving.
Median earnings
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for truck drivers are $1,780 before tax. This is higher than the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week ($26.44 per hour). The median hourly rate is $38, reflecting the long hours and skill required—average full-time hours are 49 per week.
From gross to take-home
To work out what reaches your bank account, subtract income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, resident rates apply. Using the median annual salary of $92,560:
- Tax: $4,020 + 30c for each dollar over $45,000 = $18,288
- Medicare levy: 2% of $92,560 = $1,851 (full rate applies as you earn over $35,013)
- Total deductions: $20,139
- Take-home: ~$72,421 per year, or $1,393 per week, $2,785 per fortnight
Superannuation is additional. From 1 July 2026, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into super. This is not deducted from your take-home pay if your salary is quoted as “plus super”.
Medicare levy thresholds
The latest single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Full-time truck drivers almost always pay the full 2%.
Claiming deductions
The Australian Taxation Office has a dedicated guide for truck drivers. You can claim expenses directly related to earning your income, such as:
- Protective clothing and safety gear
- Tools and equipment
- Vehicle expenses (if you use your own vehicle for work travel)
- Union fees and licence renewals
- Medical checks required by your employer
Keep all receipts and a logbook for vehicle use. For more on what you can claim, see our Tax and Medicare page.
Superannuation
Your employer must pay super on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This money goes into a super fund and is not part of your take-home pay, but it’s a valuable benefit for your retirement.
Summary
Your truck driver salary can range from award minimums around $1,021 per week to median earnings of $1,780 per week or more. After tax and Medicare, a median earner takes home about $1,393 per week. Use our Take-home pay calculator to get a figure tailored to your situation. Remember, this is an estimate—your actual tax may vary due to deductions, HELP repayments, or other factors.
Questions
What is the typical truck driver salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for truck drivers are $1,780 before tax. This equates to about $92,560 annually. However, actual pay varies by grade, experience, and employer. The Fair Work Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020 sets minimum weekly rates from $1,021.00 (Grade 1) to $1,198.80 (Grade 10) for a 38-hour week. Many drivers earn above award rates.
How do I calculate my take-home pay as a truck driver?
Your take-home pay is your gross earnings minus income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, resident tax rates apply: no tax on the first $18,200, then 15c per dollar up to $45,000, 30c up to $135,000, and so on. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income (full rate applies if you earn over $35,013 as a single). For a median earner on $92,560, tax is about $18,288 and Medicare about $1,851, leaving roughly $72,420 annually, or $1,393 per week. Use our Take-home pay guide for a personalised estimate.
What work-related deductions can truck drivers claim?
The Australian Taxation Office provides a specific guide for truck drivers. Common deductions include the cost of protective clothing, safety equipment, tools, and vehicle expenses if you use your own vehicle for work (not commuting). You can also claim union fees, licence renewals, and the cost of medical checks required for your role. Keep receipts and a logbook for vehicle expenses. See our Tax and Medicare page for more details.