Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a median annual salary of approximately $54,320, or about $26.11 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 53-3032.
This figure represents one of the most common occupations in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of drivers employed by private fleets, trucking companies, owner-operators, and LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers.
The occupation is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, in line with the national average, with the BLS estimating approximately 242,000 job openings per year on average — one of the highest opening counts for any single occupation.
Pay varies considerably by driving type (OTR long-haul vs. regional vs. local), cargo specialty (hazmat, tanker, flatbed, refrigerated), employment model (company driver vs. owner-operator), and whether the driver is a union member.
CDL-A truck drivers who operate heavy combination vehicles must hold a CDL license and may be subject to FMCSA hours-of-service regulations.
For related trade occupation earnings, see the diesel mechanic salary.
Truck Driver Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (SOC 53-3032) earned a median annual wage of approximately $54,320 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $26.11.
The median represents the midpoint of all reported wages.
The mean (average) may be higher, as owner-operators and specialty freight drivers can earn substantially above the median.
Note that BLS wage data for truck drivers reflects company-employed drivers paid by salary or hourly wage; owner-operator gross revenue can differ significantly from net income after fuel, maintenance, and other operating expenses.
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$36,000 | ~$17.31 |
| 25th | ~$43,000 | ~$20.67 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$54,320 | ~$26.11 |
| 75th | ~$71,000 | ~$34.13 |
| 90th | ~$91,000 | ~$43.75 |
To see exactly how wages like $26 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $26 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Truck Driver Pay by Experience Level
Experience and driving record are important factors in truck driver compensation.
New CDL-A holders entering their first driving positions — often through company-sponsored CDL training programs — typically start at the lower end of the pay scale.
Over time, a clean driving record and years of experience translate to access to better-paying routes, premium cargo assignments, and higher per-mile or per-load rates.
Drivers who transition to owner-operator status may see higher gross earnings, though net income after operating costs varies widely.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Company-Trained (0–1 year) | $38,000 – $50,000 |
| Experienced Company Driver (2–5 years) | $52,000 – $70,000 |
| Senior Driver / Specialty Freight (6+ years) | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Owner-Operator (Net, highly variable) | $50,000 – $150,000+ |
These are estimates based on 2024 BLS data and industry sources. Owner-operator net income is highly variable and depends on fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and market rates.
CDL Endorsement and Specialty Differences
Truck drivers who hold additional CDL endorsements — such as Hazardous Materials (H), Tank Vehicle (N), Double/Triple Trailers (T), or Passenger (P) — may qualify for higher-paying specialty freight assignments.
Hazmat drivers, tanker operators, and oversized/overweight load pilots typically earn above the median for standard dry van drivers.
Refrigerated (reefer) freight and flatbed hauling also often pay more than standard dry van runs due to additional loading/securing requirements or temperature monitoring responsibilities.
Understanding the full CDL license requirements — including the specific endorsements available and the testing process — is essential before pursuing specialty freight roles.
Truck Driver Salary by State and Region
Truck driver wages vary by state and region, though the variation is somewhat moderated by the interstate nature of the occupation — OTR drivers regularly cross state lines, and their pay is often set by their home carrier rather than the states through which they travel.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states with high concentrations of logistics, port activity, or energy sector freight — including Alaska, Wyoming, and states along the Gulf Coast — tend to report higher median wages.
Regional and local drivers — who stay within a defined radius and return home daily or weekly — may earn differently than OTR drivers.
Some regional and local markets, particularly in high-cost metros, offer premium wages to attract and retain drivers.
The cost of living in Texas — a major trucking hub — is notably lower than coastal states, which can make a Texas-based driving career financially advantageous on a real purchasing-power basis.
States in the South and rural Midwest may report lower median wages but also have lower cost of living.
Factors That Affect Truck Driver Pay
Truck driver compensation is shaped by a range of factors, including driving type, cargo specialty, CDL endorsements, and employment model.
Driving Type (OTR vs. Regional vs. Local)
Over-the-road (OTR) long-haul drivers who spend multiple consecutive weeks away from home may earn more in gross pay due to higher mileage rates and more driving hours, though they also spend more time away from family.
Regional drivers — who typically operate within a set geographic area and return home weekly — may earn slightly less per mile but have a more predictable schedule.
Local drivers — who return home each day — often earn by the hour rather than the mile and may have lower gross annual earnings than OTR counterparts but enjoy better work-life balance.
Cargo Specialty
Specialty cargo — including hazardous materials, oversized loads, refrigerated freight, automotive transport, and tanker liquids — typically pays above the standard dry van rate.
The additional training, certification, equipment skill, and liability associated with these cargo types support higher compensation for qualified drivers.
Owner-Operator vs. Company Driver
Company drivers receive a salary or per-mile rate with employer-provided benefits.
Owner-operators lease or own their truck and negotiate their own freight rates — either directly with shippers or through brokers and load boards.
Owner-operators may earn higher gross revenue but must pay all operating costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance, permits, financing).
Net income for owner-operators is highly variable and carries more financial risk than company employment. Owner-operator truck drivers who function as independent contractors should review savings benchmarks and build a high-yield savings account reserve to manage irregular cash flow.
Union Membership
Unionized truck drivers — particularly those in LTL freight covered by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters — typically earn higher wages and receive more comprehensive benefits than non-union counterparts.
Teamster LTL contracts have historically negotiated strong base wages, overtime provisions, and pension contributions for covered drivers.
Truck Driver Career Outlook
The employment outlook for truck drivers is stable with strong annual opening volume.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, in line with the national average.
The BLS estimates approximately 242,000 job openings per year on average — one of the highest totals for any single occupational group — reflecting both the scale of the workforce and ongoing turnover and retirement.
The industry has been dealing with an acknowledged driver shortage in certain freight segments, particularly in OTR long-haul trucking, which has contributed to signing bonuses and above-median wages at many large carriers.
The long-term impact of autonomous trucking technology is a factor that many analysts monitor, though as of 2026, fully autonomous heavy-duty trucking remains limited to select controlled-environment pilot programs, and the full-scale commercial deployment of autonomous trucks is not expected to materially reduce driver employment in the near term.
Truck drivers looking to maximize their long-term financial position should explore Roth IRA contributions and review retirement savings targets appropriate to their income level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a truck driver?
According to 2024 BLS data, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (SOC 53-3032) earned a median annual wage of approximately $54,320, or about $26.11 per hour.
Earnings vary by driving type (OTR, regional, local), cargo specialty, CDL endorsements, and employment model.
Drivers considering related skilled trades can also compare the mechanic salary and welder salary as alternative trade career paths.
How much do owner-operator truck drivers earn?
Owner-operator gross earnings vary widely and depend on freight rates, fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, and whether the driver leases or owns their truck.
Net income for owner-operators can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more annually, but operating expenses are significant and income is less predictable than company employment.
BLS wage data primarily reflects company-employed drivers rather than owner-operator net income.
What CDL endorsements pay the most?
Hazardous materials (HAZMAT), tanker, and oversized load endorsements are typically associated with above-median pay for truck drivers.
These endorsements require additional training and sometimes background checks, and the cargo types they cover carry additional liability and complexity that supports premium rates.
Do union truck drivers earn more than non-union drivers?
Yes, typically.
Unionized LTL truck drivers — particularly those covered by Teamsters agreements — tend to earn higher wages and receive more comprehensive benefits, including pension contributions and health insurance, compared to non-union counterparts.
The wage premium varies by market and contract terms.
What is the job growth outlook for truck drivers?
The BLS projects 4% employment growth for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 242,000 openings per year — one of the highest opening totals for any occupation.
Turnover in the industry is high, particularly in OTR long-haul trucking, and driver shortages in certain segments have supported above-median wages and signing bonuses at some carriers.
Truck drivers entering the profession should also understand salary negotiation strategies when comparing carrier offers, and review emergency fund recommendations tailored to their income level.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (53-3032.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3032.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026