How to become a Tanker Truck Driver
Also called: Tanker Driver
Drives a tanker truck, requiring a specially endorsed class of licence, to transport bulk liquids.
Main tasks
- Inspects and maintains a tanker truck to ensure it is in proper working condition
- Loads and unloads bulk liquids into the tanker truck
- Drives the tanker truck to transport bulk liquids to designated locations
- Follows all safety regulations and procedures while operating the tanker truck
- Monitors the levels and conditions of bulk liquids during transportation
- Completes necessary paperwork and documentation for each delivery
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Driving Operations (TLI31222); Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations (TLI40122); Certificate III in Field Petroleum Operations (DEF30117); Certificate II in Driving Operations (TLI21221)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $101,920 a year
- About 189,200 people work in this job group now, and about 196,900 are projected by 2035. (+4%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Tanker Truck Driver?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Driving Operations; Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations.
How much does a Tanker Truck Driver earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $101,920 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Tanker Truck Driver a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 189,200 to about 196,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Tanker Truck Driver?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Driving Operations; Certificate IV in Specialist Driving Operations.
Will AI change the work of a Tanker Truck Driver?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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