What is the minimum hourly rate for a bus driver in Brisbane?

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a Grade 1 bus driver is $27.34, which is above the National Minimum Wage of $26.44. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, making the casual rate $34.18 per hour.

How does the Brisbane City Council enterprise agreement compare to the award?

The Brisbane City Council agreement, reached in 2025, provides higher rates, with the most experienced drivers earning $37.79 per hour and base annual salaries ranging from $69,174 to $74,673. This is above the award rates and reflects a 7.35% increase over two years.

How is superannuation calculated for bus drivers?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at the super guarantee rate of 12% (from 2026-27), up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a full-time bus driver earning award rates, this adds approximately $6,480 to $7,992 per year.

Bus Driver Salary Brisbane: Award Rates, Enterprise Agreements, and How to Calculate Your Annual Pay

For a full-time bus driver in Brisbane under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020, the hourly rate ranges from $27.34 (Grade 1) to $33.70 (Grade 6), with a 38-hour week giving an annual base salary of approximately $54,000 to $66,600 before super.

Understanding Bus Driver Pay in Brisbane

When researching a bus driver salary Brisbane, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimums set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and the higher rates often found in enterprise agreements. The Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 covers most private and some public bus operators, while councils like Brisbane City Council negotiate their own deals with unions such as the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).

This guide explains how to convert an hourly rate to annual pay, what casual loading means, and how superannuation and tax affect your take-home pay. Use the timesheet to try different rates, or browse pay guides for other occupations.

Award Rates vs Enterprise Agreements

Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020

The award sets minimum hourly rates for bus drivers based on six grades. As of 1 July 2026, the rates are:

Grade 1: $27.34 per hour
Grade 2: $27.97
Grade 3: $29.55
Grade 4: $30.59
Grade 5: $32.27
Grade 6: $33.70

A full-time employee works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. The annual base salary for a Grade 1 driver is therefore $27.34 × 38 × 52 = $54,023.84. For a Grade 6 driver it is $33.70 × 38 × 52 = $66,591.20. These figures do not include overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or superannuation.

Brisbane City Council Enterprise Agreement

In March 2025, Brisbane City Council and the RTBU agreed on a 7.35% wage increase over two years. Under the new deal, the most experienced driver earns $37.79 per hour. Base annual salaries range from $69,174 for entry-level drivers to $74,673 for the most experienced. This is significantly above the award, but note that the council’s claim that drivers could earn up to $150,436 per year relies on extreme overtime and allowances, not base pay.

How to Calculate Your Annual Salary

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time bus driver, hours per week is almost always 38. If you are part-time or casual, the same formula applies using your average weekly hours. For example, a casual Grade 1 driver working 20 hours per week would earn $27.34 × 1.25 (casual loading) × 20 × 52 = $35,542.40 per year before super.

Fortnightly Pay

Most bus drivers are paid weekly or fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross pay, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a full-time Grade 1 driver: $27.34 × 38 = $1,038.92 per week, so $2,077.84 per fortnight.

Casual Loading and Super

Casual Loading

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This compensates for the lack of paid leave. Do not type a rate that already includes loading into the timesheet – instead, enter the base hourly rate and check the casual loading box. The tool will add 25% automatically.

Superannuation Guarantee

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. For a full-time Grade 1 driver earning $54,023.84, super adds $6,482.86 per year. For a Grade 6 driver, super adds $7,990.94. This is separate from your salary and is paid into a nominated fund.

Tax Considerations

2026–27 Resident Tax Rates

Nil tax on income up to $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a Grade 1 driver earning $54,023.84, the estimated tax (including Medicare) is approximately $7,247, leaving a take-home pay of about $46,777 per year. This is an estimate only – your actual tax may vary due to deductions, offsets, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

Allowances and Deductions

Bus drivers can claim work-related deductions for expenses such as uniforms, safety equipment, and union fees. The Australian Taxation Office provides a guide for bus drivers. Union fees for RTBU members are $12.82 per week, which is deductible. Allowances like the articulated bus allowance ($17.52 per shift) are taxable income.

Summary

A bus driver salary Brisbane depends on the employer, classification, and whether you are full-time, part-time, or casual. Under the award, the annual base salary ranges from about $54,000 to $66,600. Under the Brisbane City Council agreement, it ranges from $69,174 to $74,673. Superannuation adds 12% on top, and tax is withheld according to the resident scale. Use the timesheet to convert your own hourly rate, or see minimum wage for other occupations.