Truck driver salary in the USA is an important topic for people who are thinking about getting a CDL and starting a career in trucking. The average truck driver salary can change a lot depending on the state, type of driving job, experience, route, freight and the type of CDL a driver has. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had a median salary of $58,640 per year in May 2025, or about $28.19 per hour. Some truck drivers earn less than $40,000 while experienced and specialized drivers can earn well above $79,000. This guide explains the truck driver salary in the USA, truck driver pay per hour, monthly income, CDL driver salary, truck driver salary by state, OTR truck driver pay, local truck driver salary and the factors that can help a driver earn more.
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How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in the USA?
Truck drivers in the United States can make a solid income without needing a traditional four-year college degree. The salary depends on the type of truck being driven and the work a driver is doing. A local driver who comes home every day may have a different pay structure than an OTR driver who stays on the road for several days or weeks.
For heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, the latest BLS median annual wage is $58,640. The median hourly wage is $28.19. BLS data also shows that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,140 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,380. These figures are useful for understanding the normal employee wage range, but actual job offers can be different depending on company, route, bonuses and experience.
Truck Driver Salary at a Glance
- Median truck driver salary: $58,640 per year
- Median truck driver hourly pay: $28.19 per hour
- Lower 10%: Less than $40,140 per year
- Upper 10%: More than $79,380 per year
- Truck transportation median: $60,320 per year
- Projected job growth: 4% from 2025 to 2035
- Average annual openings: About 214,500
Truck transportation is one of the main industries employing heavy truck drivers, and the median wage for drivers in this industry was $60,320 in May 2025. Other industries such as wholesale trade, manufacturing and construction can also employ truck drivers, with pay varying between industries.
Truck Driver Salary by State
Truck driver salary by state can be very different across the United States. Location is one of the important factors that can change how much a CDL driver earns. Based on May 2025 BLS wage data, Alaska has one of the highest median wages for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, while Louisiana is among the lower-paying states.
The table below shows the median annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers by state. The figures are based on May 2025 wage data.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,120 |
| Alaska | $70,100 |
| Arizona | $58,080 |
| Arkansas | $51,550 |
| California | $60,230 |
| Colorado | $61,500 |
| Connecticut | $60,490 |
| Delaware | $57,590 |
| Florida | $50,640 |
| Georgia | $57,050 |
| Hawaii | $59,820 |
| Idaho | $58,770 |
| Illinois | $60,320 |
| Indiana | $60,290 |
| Iowa | $58,070 |
| Kansas | $58,920 |
| Kentucky | $56,340 |
| Louisiana | $49,320 |
| Maine | $57,050 |
| Maryland | $59,360 |
| Massachusetts | $63,030 |
| Michigan | $57,180 |
| Minnesota | $61,990 |
| Mississippi | $51,820 |
| Missouri | $54,550 |
| Montana | $58,870 |
| Nebraska | $58,390 |
| Nevada | $62,290 |
| New Hampshire | $60,280 |
| New Jersey | $63,570 |
| New Mexico | $50,500 |
| New York | $62,050 |
| North Carolina | $51,530 |
| North Dakota | $60,910 |
| Ohio | $59,800 |
| Oklahoma | $54,410 |
| Oregon | $61,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,580 |
| Rhode Island | $60,190 |
| South Carolina | $51,130 |
| South Dakota | $58,690 |
| Tennessee | $58,620 |
| Texas | $56,290 |
| Utah | $60,620 |
| Vermont | $60,830 |
| Virginia | $56,860 |
| Washington | $64,760 |
| West Virginia | $49,480 |
| Wisconsin | $58,610 |
| Wyoming | $60,310 |
Highest Paying States for Truck Drivers
Some states offer noticeably higher truck driver pay than others. Alaska is at the top of the May 2025 state median wage data with about $70,100 per year. Washington, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Nevada are also among the states where truck drivers can find relatively strong wage levels.
Higher salary does not always mean higher real income, because living costs can also be higher in some locations. A driver should look at the complete job offer, home-time policy, benefits, overtime, bonuses and local cost of living instead of choosing a state only because the salary number looks bigger.
- Alaska: $70,100 median annual wage
- Washington: $64,760
- New Jersey: $63,570
- Massachusetts: $63,030
- Nevada: $62,290
- New York: $62,050
Lowest Paying States for Truck Drivers
Truck driver salary is lower in some states, although this does not mean every trucking job in these states pays poorly. Company size, freight, route, experience and CDL endorsements can still make a large difference.
Louisiana has a May 2025 median wage of about $49,320 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. West Virginia, New Mexico, Florida and South Carolina are also on the lower side of the state wage table.
- Louisiana: $49,320
- West Virginia: $49,480
- New Mexico: $50,500
- Florida: $50,640
- South Carolina: $51,130
- North Carolina: $51,530
Truck Driver Salary Per Hour
Truck driver salary per hour is another common search because many CDL jobs are advertised using hourly pay, mileage pay or a combination of different payment methods. The national median hourly wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $28.19 per hour in May 2025.
However, not every truck driver is actually paid by the hour. Many heavy truck drivers are paid according to the miles they drive, with bonuses or additional payments added to the base compensation. This means two drivers working similar hours can still receive different total pay.
Truck Driver Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual salary of $58,640, the simple monthly equivalent is around $4,887 per month before taxes. This is a calculation from annual salary and should not be treated as a separate BLS monthly wage figure.
Actual monthly truck driver pay can move up or down because trucking income is often affected by mileage, available loads, bonuses, detention time, home time and the driver's payment agreement with the company.
CDL Truck Driver Salary in the USA
A CDL is one of the main requirements for driving heavy commercial trucks in the United States. Because of this, CDL driver salary is a common search for people who are planning to enter the trucking industry. The salary can be different depending on the class of CDL, endorsements, type of freight and the company hiring the driver.
A new CDL driver normally starts with a lower pay package and may increase earnings after getting more road experience. Some companies also offer training programs for new drivers, while experienced drivers may have more choices when looking for better-paying routes.
- New CDL driver: Usually starts at a lower pay level while building experience.
- Experienced CDL driver: Can qualify for better routes and higher-paying jobs.
- Specialized CDL driver: May earn more when carrying certain types of freight.
- Owner-operator: Can have higher gross revenue, but also has much higher business expenses.
Entry Level Truck Driver Salary
Entry level truck driver salary is usually lower than the national median because new drivers have limited experience. A company may pay a new driver by the mile, by the hour, or through a training pay structure during the first months.
Getting the first year of safe driving experience can be very important. After that, drivers may have access to more carriers, routes and freight types. A new driver should not only look at the advertised salary. Training pay, guaranteed miles, home time and deductions can make a big difference in the actual paycheck.
Experienced Truck Driver Salary
Experienced truck drivers generally have more opportunities to earn higher pay. A driver with several years of clean driving history may be trusted with longer routes, difficult freight or specialized equipment.
Experience can also help a driver negotiate better compensation. Some employers offer additional bonuses for safe driving, performance, fuel efficiency or completing certain types of loads. However, experience by itself does not guarantee a specific salary because trucking pay depends heavily on the job and freight market.
- More driving experience
- Clean driving record
- Good safety history
- More CDL endorsements
- Specialized freight experience
- Ability to handle long-distance routes
OTR Truck Driver Salary
OTR means Over-the-Road trucking. OTR truck drivers usually travel long distances and may cross several states during a trip. This type of job can offer good earning opportunities, but it also means spending more time away from home.
The BLS describes long-haul trucking as a lifestyle choice because drivers can be away from home for days or weeks. Most tractor-trailer drivers work full time, and their schedules can include nights, weekends and holidays.
OTR truck driver salary can therefore look attractive to someone who is comfortable with long-distance travel. But drivers should compare the total compensation with home time, benefits and the number of miles they are actually getting.
Local Truck Driver Salary
Local truck driver salary can be different from OTR pay. Local drivers normally operate within a smaller geographic area and often return home on the same day. For many drivers, this home-time benefit is one of the biggest reasons to choose local trucking.
Local jobs may be paid hourly or through other compensation methods. Some local positions can also include overtime, especially when the driver works long shifts or handles additional loading and unloading responsibilities.
A local truck driver may earn less or more than an OTR driver depending on the employer. So it is better to compare the complete pay package rather than assuming that OTR always pays more.
Truck Driver Pay Per Mile
Truck driver pay per mile is one of the most common payment methods in long-haul trucking. Instead of receiving a fixed hourly salary, the driver may receive a specific amount for each mile covered under the company's pay system.
For example, a driver might be offered a certain cents-per-mile rate. If the driver gets more loaded miles, total earnings can increase. But not every mile or every hour spent working is necessarily paid in the same way, so drivers need to understand the complete compensation agreement before accepting a job.
BLS notes that heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers are usually paid based on miles driven plus bonuses, and the per-mile rate can vary by employer, cargo type and driver experience.
- Base pay per mile
- Loaded miles
- Empty or deadhead miles
- Safety bonuses
- Performance bonuses
- Extra stop or detention payments
Highest Paying Truck Driving Jobs
Not all truck driving jobs have the same earning potential. Specialized trucking can sometimes provide better pay because the driver needs additional training, endorsements or experience.
Some of the better-paying truck driving opportunities can involve specialized equipment, unusual cargo or difficult routes. However, these jobs may also have stricter safety requirements and more responsibility.
- Specialized freight driver: Drivers handling specific or difficult freight may receive higher compensation.
- Tanker driver: Tanker work can require additional qualifications and careful handling of liquid cargo.
- Hazmat driver: Drivers transporting hazardous materials need the appropriate endorsement and must follow additional safety requirements.
- Oversized load driver: Moving very large equipment can involve special permits, planning and additional responsibility.
- Team truck driver: Two drivers can operate together on long routes, allowing the truck to keep moving for longer periods.
Owner Operator Truck Driver Salary
Owner operator salary is often discussed as if it is the same as a normal truck driver salary, but it is not. An owner-operator owns or leases the truck and operates as an independent business person. BLS notes that owner-operators also have business responsibilities such as finding clients and handling administrative work.
An owner-operator may generate much higher gross revenue than an employee driver, but gross revenue is not the same as personal income. Fuel, truck payments, insurance, maintenance, tires, permits, taxes and other business expenses can take a large part of the revenue.
Because of these costs, someone comparing an owner-operator job with a company truck driver position should look at net income, not only the amount shown on a load or settlement statement.
What Factors Affect Truck Driver Salary?
There is no single truck driver salary that applies to every driver in the United States. Several factors can change the amount a driver earns during a year. Some drivers with similar CDL licenses can still have very different incomes because their routes and freight are different.
- Experience: Experienced drivers may qualify for better jobs and pay packages.
- Location: Truck driver wages vary between states and metropolitan areas.
- Type of freight: Specialized freight can require additional skills or endorsements.
- Driving distance: Long-haul jobs may be structured around mileage.
- CDL endorsements: Additional qualifications can open more job opportunities.
- Company: Pay, benefits and bonus systems are different from one carrier to another.
- Home time: Drivers accepting more time away from home may find different compensation opportunities.
- Safety record: A clean driving and safety history can help when applying for better positions.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the most important things that can influence a truck driver's career. New drivers normally need time to build confidence, learn company procedures and develop a safe driving record. As experience grows, the driver may have more options in the job market.
There is no official BLS salary number for every individual experience level, so it would be misleading to say that every driver with a certain number of years will earn a fixed amount. Instead, experience should be viewed as one factor that can improve access to better-paying positions.
Do Truck Drivers Get Paid by the Hour or Mile?
Truck drivers can be paid in different ways. Some jobs use hourly pay, while many long-haul heavy truck driving jobs use mileage-based compensation plus bonuses. Other positions may use a salary, daily rate or a combination of different payments.
This is why a job advertisement showing a high cents-per-mile number does not automatically mean it is the highest-paying job. A driver should check how many miles are normally available, whether empty miles are paid, what bonuses are available and what deductions are taken from the paycheck.
Truck Driver Benefits and Total Compensation
Salary is only one part of a truck driver's compensation. Full-time company drivers may also receive benefits depending on the employer. These benefits can make a lower-looking salary package more valuable than a job with a higher headline number.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Safety bonuses
- Performance bonuses
- Paid training
- Life insurance
When comparing two truck driver jobs, it is smart to calculate the total yearly value of salary, bonuses and benefits. A driver should also check how much unpaid time is normally spent waiting for loads, loading freight or dealing with delays.
How to Become a Truck Driver in the USA
Becoming a truck driver in the USA does not normally require a four-year college degree. For heavy truck and tractor-trailer driving, workers generally need a commercial driver's license, also called a CDL. Many people first complete truck driving school or a professional driver training program before starting their first job.
The exact licensing requirements can depend on the type of commercial vehicle and the state. Drivers also need to meet federal and state requirements, pass the required tests and maintain a driving record that allows them to work commercially.
- Have the required basic driver's license and meet age requirements.
- Complete the required CDL training or preparation.
- Pass the applicable knowledge tests.
- Pass the required skills or road test.
- Get the CDL needed for the type of truck you want to drive.
- Complete additional endorsements if the job requires them.
- Build a safe driving record and gain professional experience.
CDL Class and Truck Driver Jobs
There are different types of commercial driving licenses and endorsements. The type of license needed depends on the vehicle and the work being performed. For someone looking for a CDL truck driver salary, understanding these differences can help when choosing a career path.
A Class A CDL is commonly associated with combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. Drivers who want to work in long-haul trucking will often look for jobs requiring this type of license. Additional endorsements may be needed for specific cargo or vehicles.
Getting an endorsement does not automatically guarantee a higher salary, but it can increase the number of jobs a driver can apply for. Specialized jobs can also have different compensation because they may involve additional responsibility or training.
Truck Driver Salary With CDL Experience
CDL experience can make a difference when a driver starts searching for better opportunities. A new CDL holder may have fewer choices because some trucking companies want drivers with previous commercial driving experience.
After building a good safety record, a driver may be able to move from basic entry-level trucking into longer routes, specialized freight, local positions or other jobs with different pay structures.
For this reason, the first job is not always about getting the highest possible salary. Building professional experience, keeping a clean driving record and learning the trucking business can be valuable for future income.
Truck Driver Work Schedule
Truck driving is not a typical 9-to-5 job. Depending on the position, drivers may work early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. OTR drivers can spend several days or weeks away from home, while local drivers may return home more frequently.
Federal rules also limit how long long-haul truck drivers can drive and work. BLS reports that drivers can generally have up to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work period, followed by required off-duty time. Drivers are also subject to weekly driving limits.
This is an important part of the career that is sometimes missed when people only search for the truck driver salary. A job with higher pay may also require more time away from family and a less predictable schedule.
Is Truck Driving a Good Career in the USA?
Truck driving can be a good career for people who like driving, prefer practical work and do not want to spend several years in college before entering the workforce. The national median wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $58,640 in May 2025, which was higher than the median wage for all occupations at $50,980.
There are also many opportunities because trucks move a large share of goods across the United States. Food, consumer products, construction materials and other goods all need transportation between manufacturers, warehouses, stores and customers.
Still, trucking is not the right career for everyone. Long hours, traffic, time away from home, physical work and responsibility for expensive equipment can make the job difficult for some people.
Pros of Being a Truck Driver
There are several reasons people choose truck driving as a career. The relatively short training path is one of them. Another benefit is that drivers can work in many parts of the country and may have different career options after gaining experience.
- No traditional four-year college degree is normally required.
- CDL training can provide a relatively direct path into the industry.
- Experienced drivers can have many job options.
- Specialized driving can create additional career opportunities.
- Some jobs offer bonuses and benefits.
- Local jobs can provide more regular home time.
- OTR jobs can provide opportunities for long-distance driving.
Cons of Being a Truck Driver
The truck driving career also has some challenges. People who enjoy being home every evening may not like OTR trucking. Long hours on the road can also be tiring, and drivers must deal with traffic, weather, delays and changing delivery schedules.
- Long periods of sitting and driving.
- Possible nights, weekends and holiday work.
- OTR drivers may spend extended time away from home.
- Traffic and bad weather can make driving stressful.
- Loading, unloading and other physical tasks may be required.
- Income can change when mileage or available freight changes.
- Drivers have significant responsibility for safety and cargo.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in the USA
The future demand for truck drivers remains important because the U.S. economy depends heavily on freight transportation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035.
BLS projects about 214,500 openings each year for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers during this period. A large number of these openings are expected because workers leave the occupation, retire or move into other jobs.
Continued demand for products, construction materials, food and online shopping is expected to support the need for freight transportation. This means trucking should continue to be an important part of the U.S. labor market.
How Much Can a Truck Driver Make After 10 Years?
There is no single salary that every truck driver will reach after 10 years. Experience can help, but income still depends on the type of trucking job, location, company, freight and payment structure.
A driver with many years of experience may move into specialized trucking, higher-paying routes, private fleets, training roles or owner-operator work. Some experienced drivers can earn above the national median, while others may stay closer to the normal wage range because they prefer local work or more home time.
The latest BLS data shows that the highest-paid 10% of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earned more than $79,380 per year in May 2025.
Truck Driver Salary vs Other Driving Jobs
Truck driver salary can also be compared with other driving occupations. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers generally earn more than many light truck driving positions because the work involves larger vehicles, longer routes and commercial driving responsibilities.
For comparison, BLS reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $44,860 for light truck drivers. This shows why it is important to use the correct occupation when researching truck driver salary in the USA.
Final Thoughts on Truck Driver Salary in the USA
Truck driver salary in the USA depends on much more than just the number shown in a job advertisement. The national median wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $58,640 per year in May 2025, but actual truck driver pay can be higher or lower depending on experience, state, freight, route, CDL endorsements and payment method.
For a new driver, getting a CDL and building a clean professional driving record can be the first step toward better opportunities. Experienced drivers can explore OTR trucking, local routes, specialized freight, private fleets and owner-operator work depending on their goals.
Overall, truck driving remains an important U.S. career with thousands of job openings each year. For someone who is comfortable with driving, responsibility and spending time on the road, it can provide a practical career path with the opportunity to increase earnings over time.