Truck Driver Salary in 2026
Truck drivers transport goods over short and long distances using heavy trucks, following delivery schedules and safety regulations. They load and unload cargo and maintain vehicles.
Median Salary
$51,000
$4,250/mo
Entry Level
$39,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$73,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Truck Driver Overview
Truck drivers transport goods over short and long distances using heavy trucks, following delivery schedules and safety regulations. They load and unload cargo and maintain vehicles.
Education
CDL Training
Experience
0-1 year
Industry
Transportation
Total Jobs (US)
2.0M
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Transportation
Hourly Rate
$24.52/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,250
Truck Driver Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Truck Driver salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Truck Driver Salary
$61,000
$5,083/month · $2,346/biweekly · $29.33/hr
Truck Driver Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Truck Driver field.
Entry-level Truck Drivers earn around $39,000, while the top 10% earn $81,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Truck Drivers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $60,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $53,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $50,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $50,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $48,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Truck Drivers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $57,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $54,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $52,000 | +$1,000 |
| Dallas | $51,000 | $0 |
| Columbus | $48,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Truck Driver Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Truck Driver from entry level to expert.
$39,000
0-2 years
$56,000
3-7 years
$73,000
8-14 years
$89,000
15+ years
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Truck Driver Salary FAQ
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