SOC 8213 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives

Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs Salary

Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.

For taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs, £26,783 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -31% versus the national average.

About this role

Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs operate vehicles to transport goods, passengers or materials safely and efficiently. They follow traffic regulations, maintain their vehicles, manage delivery schedules and ensure the safe handling of their cargo or passengers.

Key responsibilities

Operating vehicles safely and in compliance with road traffic law
Planning routes and managing delivery or service schedules
Conducting vehicle checks and reporting defects
Loading, securing and unloading cargo where applicable
Maintaining accurate records (tachograph, delivery logs)

Qualifications and entry routes

Requires a valid driving licence for the vehicle category. LGV (Category C/C+E) or PCV (Category D) requires additional training, medical examination and CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). ADR certification is needed for hazardous goods.

Career outlook

Significant driver shortage, particularly for LGV drivers. Improved pay and conditions are being offered across the logistics sector.

Key skills

Safe driving Route planning Vehicle maintenance awareness Time management Customer service

Common industries

Logistics and distribution
Public transport
Haulage
Passenger services
Construction

Data coverage

SOC code 8213

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

N/A

Mean Salary

£18,351

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +0.0%Real growth: +0.0%

Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs salary: common questions

How much do taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs earn in the UK?

Taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs earn a median of £26,783 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £26,783 a good salary in the UK?

For taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs, £26,783 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -31% versus the national average.

Have taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs pay has risen from £22,230 to £26,783 — +20% in cash terms, or -13% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).