Disclosed is a shift lever for a vehicle transmission, which includes a rod provided in a mounting space to move linearly and having an upper part having an upper inclined surface and successive engaging grooves. An engaging protrusion is provided on an inner wall of a support section such that, when the rod moves, the engaging protrusion is engaged with one of the engaging grooves to afford a brisk, clear operation action when changing gears. A button is provided such that one end thereof extends to the inclined surface of the upper part of the rod, and another end thereof is exposed to the outside to enable that end to be pressed down to push the rod down.