How to become a Freight Train Driver
Also called: Freight Locomotive Driver
Drives a train to transport freight on railways.
Main tasks
- Inspects locomotives and rolling stock before, during and after journeys
- Operates and monitors controls to regulate speed, direction and braking, and track fuel consumption
- Ensures livestock freight are safe and in good physical condition
- Communicates with control centres and other train crew using radios and signals
- Manages the loading and unloading of freight
- Performs minor repairs and maintenance tasks on-track if necessary
- Couples and uncouples wagons using manual tools
- Keeps records of journeys, delays and any incidents that occur
- Follows timetables and schedules to ensure on-time delivery of freight
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Train Driving (TLI42622)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $156,052 a year
- About 17,500 people work in this job group now, and about 18,600 are projected by 2035. (+6.3%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Freight Train Driver?
Ways in include: Certificate IV in Train Driving.
How much does a Freight Train Driver earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $156,052 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Freight Train Driver a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 17,500 to about 18,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Freight Train Driver?
Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Train Driving.
Will AI change the work of a Freight Train Driver?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04