What is the minimum hourly rate for a bus driver in Sydney under the award?

The Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates from $27.34 (Grade 1) to $33.70 (Grade 6) for full-time employees. Most bus drivers fall under Grade 2 ($27.97) or Grade 3 ($29.55). These rates apply nationally, including Sydney, and increase each 1 July.

How does casual loading affect a bus driver's pay?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Grade 2 casual bus driver earns $27.97 × 1.25 = $34.96 per hour. This loading is paid for each ordinary hour worked and is included in the rate you see on your payslip.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate or paid separately?

Superannuation is paid on top of your hourly rate. Employers must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund. For a full-time Grade 2 bus driver earning $27.97 per hour, that's an extra $3.36 per hour in super, bringing the total cost to the employer to $31.33 per hour.

Bus Driver Salary Sydney: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, a full-time bus driver in Sydney earns between $27.34 and $33.70 per hour (depending on grade), with casual loading of 25% and superannuation of 12% paid on top.

Bus Driver Salary Sydney: What the Award Says

If you're looking at a bus driver salary Sydney, the most reliable starting point is the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063), published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award covers drivers of buses, coaches, and minibuses across Australia, including Sydney. The minimum rates are set nationally and updated each 1 July. For 2026–27, the rates range from $27.34 per hour for a Grade 1 driver up to $33.70 per hour for a Grade 6 driver (the highest classification). Most regular bus driving roles fall into Grade 2 ($27.97) or Grade 3 ($29.55).

While job boards like Indeed report an average of $33.79 per hour for bus drivers in Sydney, that figure includes overtime, allowances, and different classifications. For a clear baseline, always refer to the award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman. You can check the full pay guide on our pay guides page.

Converting Hourly to Annual, Fortnightly, and Weekly

To turn an hourly rate into an annual salary, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a full-time bus driver under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. So for a Grade 2 driver:

Hourly rate: $27.97
Weekly: $27.97 × 38 = $1,062.86
Fortnightly: $1,062.86 × 2 = $2,125.72
Annual: $1,062.86 × 52 = $55,268.72

If you're a casual driver, add the 25% loading first: $27.97 × 1.25 = $34.96 per hour. Then:

Weekly: $34.96 × 38 = $1,328.48
Fortnightly: $2,656.96
Annual: $69,080.96

Remember, these figures assume you work exactly 38 hours every week with no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. The award also guarantees a minimum payment of 4 hours per shift for full-time and part-time employees.

Casual Loading: What It Covers

Casual employees under the award get a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave (annual leave, sick leave) and other entitlements. It is paid on top of the base rate for all ordinary hours. When you see a casual rate quoted, it already includes the loading. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into our calculator – instead, use the base rate and tick the casual loading checkbox. For more details, see our casual loading page.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation of 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund. This is on top of your hourly rate. For a full-time Grade 2 driver:

Ordinary earnings per hour: $27.97
Super contribution: 12% × $27.97 = $3.36 per hour
Total cost to employer: $27.97 + $3.36 = $31.33 per hour

The super guarantee is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year (2026–27). For most bus drivers, this cap won't apply. Super is not deducted from your pay; it's an additional benefit. Learn more on our super and packaging page.

Tax on Your Bus Driver Salary

Once you have your annual gross pay, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 + 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 + 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 + 45% of excess over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low incomes). For a full-time Grade 2 driver earning $55,268.72 annually:

Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($55,268.72 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $3,080.62 = $7,100.62
Medicare levy (2%): $1,105.37
Total tax: $8,206
Net annual take-home: $55,268.72 – $8,206 = $47,062.72

For a casual driver earning $69,080.96:

Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($69,080.96 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $7,224.29 = $11,244.29
Medicare levy: $1,381.62
Total tax: $12,625.91
Net annual take-home: $69,080.96 – $12,625.91 = $56,455.05

These are estimates only. Your actual tax may differ due to HELP loans, Medicare levy surcharge, or salary packaging.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Casual employees get $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. Award rates for bus drivers are higher than the national minimum, so the award applies. Always check your specific classification.

Fortnightly Pay: A Handy Reference

Many transport employers pay fortnightly. For a full-time Grade 2 driver:

Gross fortnightly: $2,125.72
After tax (approx): $2,125.72 – ($8,206 / 26) = $2,125.72 – $315.62 = $1,810.10

For a casual Grade 2 driver:

Gross fortnightly: $2,656.96
After tax (approx): $2,656.96 – ($12,625.91 / 26) = $2,656.96 – $485.61 = $2,171.35

Summary

A bus driver salary Sydney starts at award minimums but can increase with experience, higher grades, or enterprise agreements. Use our minimum wage page to see the latest national rates. Remember that casual loading and super are paid on top of your base rate, and tax is deducted from your gross pay. For a personalised estimate, try our timesheet calculator on the home page – just enter your base hourly rate and tick casual loading if applicable.