Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary in 2026
How Much Do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Make?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earn a median annual salary of $57,440 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $78,800 at the 90th percentile — a range of $40,160. The highest-paying state is Alaska at $64,890.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,640 |
| 25th percentile | $47,230 |
| Median (50th) | $57,440 |
| 75th percentile | $65,520 |
| 90th percentile | $78,800 |
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaskatop | $64,890 |
| New Jersey | $64,720 |
| Washington | $63,760 |
| District of Columbia | $63,610 |
| Oregon | $61,180 |
| Minnesota | $61,090 |
| Nevada | $60,900 |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 |
| New York | $60,520 |
| Wyoming | $60,270 |
| Colorado | $60,260 |
| Indiana | $60,090 |
| California | $59,950 |
| Illinois | $59,790 |
| Rhode Island | $59,710 |
| Utah | $59,580 |
| Hawaii | $59,320 |
| Montana | $59,060 |
| North Dakota | $58,970 |
| Connecticut | $58,700 |
| New Hampshire | $58,620 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,540 |
| Delaware | $58,510 |
| Ohio | $58,080 |
| Nebraska | $57,940 |
| Wisconsin | $57,380 |
| Maryland | $57,180 |
| Kansas | $56,940 |
| South Dakota | $56,880 |
| Georgia | $56,570 |
| Vermont | $56,360 |
| Tennessee | $55,610 |
| Kentucky | $55,590 |
| Michigan | $55,140 |
| Iowa | $55,080 |
| Virginia | $54,500 |
| Arizona | $53,690 |
| Idaho | $53,260 |
| Texas | $53,070 |
| Maine | $51,930 |
| Oklahoma | $51,920 |
| South Carolina | $51,810 |
| Mississippi | $50,700 |
| Missouri | $50,540 |
| Alabama | $50,120 |
| Florida | $50,000 |
| North Carolina | $49,580 |
| Arkansas | $49,520 |
| West Virginia | $49,040 |
| Louisiana | $48,770 |
| New Mexico | $48,360 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$38,640 – $47,230 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$57,440 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$65,520 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $78,800+ |
How to Earn More as a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lincoln, NE earn $92,890 — $35,450 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($65,520) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverthis career | $57,440 |
| Dispatcher | $48,880 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Highway Maintenance Worker | $49,070 |
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SOC: 53-3032.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.