SOC 2020 · 8231
Train and tram drivers
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £49,736 |
| 25th | £68,924 |
| 50th | £76,327 |
| 75th | £83,129 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £49,736 | £68,924 | £76,327 | £83,129 | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £75,927 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £78,536 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £70,919 | — | — |
| Scotland 2025 | — | — | £71,661 | — | — |
| South East 2025 |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.
Typical tasks
checks controls, gauges, brakes and lights before start of journey and studies route, timetable and track information
checks safety equipment, regulates the heating of passenger compartments and records engine defects or unusual incidents on the journey
starts train or tram when directed and operates controls to regulate speed
watches for track hazards, observes signals and temperature, pressure and other gauges
stops as directed to allow passengers to embark/ disembark
makes scheduled stops for the loading and unloading of freight and coupling/uncoupling of carriages and tubs
maintains radio contact with control centre
may make passenger announcements and controls automatic doors
may check travel passes, collect fares and deal with passenger queries
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements. Entrants must pass a series of tests and a medical examination. Age restrictions apply in some areas of work. Good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs are available at level 2.