Truck Driver Salary in the United States
Based on 2.1M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$58,233
$28.00/hr
Salary Range
$43K – $79K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
2.1M
workers nationwide
The median Truck Driver salary in the United States is $58,233 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. This figure reflects the compensation for a large and vital workforce, with over 2 million individuals employed in this sector across the country. The salary range for most truck drivers falls between $42,903 and $78,798 annually.
Several factors influence how much a truck driver earns. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned drivers often commanding higher pay. The type of freight hauled, whether it's specialized or standard, and the specific route or region can also impact earnings. Additionally, factors like company size and benefits packages contribute to the overall compensation package for a Truck Driver salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,903 |
| 25th percentile | $49,715 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,233 |
| 75th percentile | $67,883 |
| 90th percentile | $78,798 |
Truck Driver Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Truck Driver
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $70,100 | +20.4% | 3K |
| 2 | Washington | $64,760 | +11.2% | 41K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $64,170 | +10.2% | 830 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $63,570 | +9.2% | 48K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $63,030 | +8.2% | 31K |
| 6 | Nevada | $62,290 | +7.0% | 15K |
| 7 | New York | $62,050 | +6.6% | 64K |
| 8 | Minnesota | $61,990 | +6.5% | 39K |
| 9 | Oregon | $61,980 | +6.4% | 24K |
| 10 | Colorado | $61,500 | +5.6% | 25K |
Truck Driver Salary by Industry
How much Truck Drivers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($65,810 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $65,810 | +13.0% | 2K |
| 2 | Information | $63,030 | +8.2% | 1K |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | +6.0% | 10K |
| 4 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | +3.2% | 960 |
| 5 | Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | +3.1% | 1.2M |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $59,080 | +1.5% | 19K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $58,550 | +0.5% | 269K |
| 8 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $57,250 | -1.7% | 27K |
| 9 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $57,130 | -1.9% | 32K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $56,570 | -2.9% | 153K |
| 11 | Construction | $56,080 | -3.7% | 139K |
| 12 | Administrative and Support Services | $54,160 | -7.0% | 105K |
| 13 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $54,140 | -7.0% | 18K |
| 14 | Educational Services | $53,160 | -8.7% | 1K |
| 15 | Finance and Insurance | $52,950 | -9.1% | 110 |
| 16 | Retail Trade | $51,490 | -11.6% | 63K |
| 17 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,460 | -13.3% | 13K |
| 18 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $48,380 | -16.9% | 3K |
| 19 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $48,010 | -17.6% | 15K |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $39,360 | -32.4% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,980 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,715 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,233 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,883 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,798 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a truck driver in the US?
- The median salary for a truck driver in the United States is $58,233 per year. This breaks down to an hourly wage of approximately $28. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
What is the salary range for truck drivers?
- The salary range for truck drivers in the US typically falls between $42,903 and $78,798 annually. This means that while many drivers earn around the median of $58,233, there is a considerable spread in compensation based on various factors.
Which state pays truck drivers the most?
- Alaska offers the highest compensation for truck drivers, with an average salary of $70,100 per year. This suggests that geographic location can significantly influence a truck driver's earning potential.
How many truck drivers are employed in the United States?
- There are a substantial 2,062,050 truck drivers employed across the United States. This indicates a robust job market with numerous opportunities within this essential industry.