Concerns about the safety and working conditions of train drivers in Spain have escalated following a series of incidents, including the severe accident in Adamuz (Córdoba), which resulted in 45 deaths and over 100 injuries. This context has led to questions about whether the remuneration compensates for the high level of pressure and risk involved.
According to data from the specialized portal Jobted, the average gross annual salary for these professionals is around 28,600 euros. However, differences are significant, especially in the private sector, where companies like Ouigo and Iryo offer salaries that vary greatly depending on experience.
A driver with more than two decades of experience in the private sector can earn around 46,400 euros gross annually. Profiles with ten to twenty years of experience reach 40,900 euros, while drivers with less than three years of seniority earn about 22,800 euros. In highly specialized services, remuneration can even exceed 55,000 euros.
The debate remains open as to whether the salary compensates for the level of pressure, responsibility, and risk assumed by drivers at a very delicate time for the Spanish railway system.
In the public sector, Renfe salaries are regulated by collective agreement. An entry-level driver earns just over 21,000 euros gross annually, while a consolidated professional is around 27,000 euros. Higher categories exceed 32,000 and 39,000 euros in base salary, to which complements for driving, training, and safety are added.
