driving instructor pay

In Australia, a driving instructor’s pay depends on whether you’re on wages or running your own gig. Employees typically see about $30–$40 per hour plus super (sometimes with a car), while owner‑operators charge learners roughly $70–$95 per hour but clear less after fuel, tyres, insurance, rego, and any franchise fees. After costs, many instructors realistically net about $30–$50 per billable hour—more if you’re savvy with scheduling and weekend test packages. With 25–35 paid hours a week, that’s roughly $900–$1,700 take‑home before tax, making an annual of about $45k–$85k, give or take your postcode and patience for cancellations. Expect variations by state, auto vs manual, and whether you brave peak‑hour chaos for the higher rates. It’s worth checking local job ads and calling schools to confirm current rates in your area.