Truck Driver Salary in California
Based on 205K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$60,230
$28.96/hr
vs National Average
$58,233
+3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $82K
205K employed in California
The median Truck Driver salary in California is $60,230 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 3.4% higher than the national average for truck drivers. In California, there are an estimated 205,090 employed truck drivers, indicating a substantial market for this profession.
Several factors influence the Truck Driver salary in California. These include experience level, the specific type of truck driven (e.g., long-haul, local delivery, heavy-haul), the employer, and the geographic location within the state. Specialized certifications or endorsements can also lead to higher earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,830 |
| 25th percentile | $48,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,230 |
| 75th percentile | $72,330 |
| 90th percentile | $81,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Truck Driver (U.S.)
Which industries pay Truck Drivers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Truck Drivers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $65,810 | 2K |
| Information | $63,030 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | 10K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | 960 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | 1.2M |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,037 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,230 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,037 | $59,980 |
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,960 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other States
Related Truck Driver Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Truck Driver ($60,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Truck Driver | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | -28.8% | $20.61/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | +0.1% | $28.98/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CA | $59,250 | -1.6% | $28.49/hr |
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | -1.7% | $28.48/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | +3.9% | $30.10/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CA | $57,560 | -4.4% | $27.67/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -5.4% | $27.40/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | +7.3% | $31.07/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | +7.9% | $31.24/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in CA | $55,400 | -8.0% | $26.63/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in CA | $55,110 | -8.5% | $26.50/hr |
| Title Examiner in CA | $67,230 | +11.6% | $32.32/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Truck Driver make in California?
- The median Truck Driver salary in California is $60,230 annually, which averages out to about $29 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $41,830 and $81,960 per year.
What is the difference between a Truck Driver salary in California and the national average?
- Truck Drivers in California earn approximately 3.4% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $60,230 in California is higher than the national median.
What is the salary range for Truck Drivers in California?
- For Truck Drivers in California, the salary range generally spans from $41,830 for entry-level or lower-paying positions up to $81,960 for more experienced or specialized roles.
Is the demand for Truck Drivers high in California?
- Yes, there is a significant presence of truck drivers in California, with an estimated 205,090 individuals employed in this role. This indicates a robust demand for skilled professionals in the state.