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
Related Transportation Jobs
Truck Driver Salary FAQ
How much does a Truck Driver make in 2026?
The median salary for a Truck Driver in the United States is $51,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $39,000, while senior professionals earn up to $73,000. Top earners in the field can make $89,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Truck Driver?
A Truck Driver typically requires a CDL Training with 0-1 year of experience. Key skills include CDL Operation, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection. Relevant certifications such as CDL Class A or Hazmat Endorsement can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Truck Drivers?
The job market for Truck Drivers is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 2.0M Truck Driver positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Truck Drivers the most?
The highest-paying states for Truck Drivers include Texas, California, Florida. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $50,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Truck Driver salary?
To increase your Truck Driver salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like CDL Operation and Route Planning. Pursue certifications such as CDL Class A. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Dallas. With 0-1 year of experience, you can progress from $39,000 to $73,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Truck Driver Salary
How we calculate Truck Driver salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $51,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Truck Driver in the Transportation sector.
- Entry-level ($39,000) and senior-level ($73,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 2.0M total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Transportation sector wages.
- Education requirement: CDL Training, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $51,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Truck Driver compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Truck Driver job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Transportation
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Truck Driver salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (CDL Operation, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.