Light Truck Driver Salary in 2026
How Much Do Light Truck Drivers Make?
Light Truck Drivers earn a median annual salary of $44,140 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $29,580 at the 10th percentile to $79,630 at the 90th percentile — a range of $50,050. The highest-paying state is Alaska at $52,000.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,580 |
| 25th percentile | $36,670 |
| Median (50th) | $44,140 |
| 75th percentile | $52,460 |
| 90th percentile | $79,630 |
Light Truck Driver Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaskatop | $52,000 |
| Idaho | $47,910 |
| Arizona | $47,910 |
| Washington | $47,870 |
| North Dakota | $47,750 |
| District of Columbia | $47,620 |
| Massachusetts | $47,450 |
| Minnesota | $47,440 |
| Colorado | $46,960 |
| Wisconsin | $46,480 |
| Illinois | $46,440 |
| Maryland | $46,230 |
| Montana | $46,220 |
| New York | $46,040 |
| New Jersey | $45,920 |
| Oregon | $45,710 |
| California | $45,500 |
| Rhode Island | $45,240 |
| New Hampshire | $44,980 |
| Vermont | $44,420 |
| Hawaii | $44,310 |
| Connecticut | $44,240 |
| South Dakota | $44,090 |
| Iowa | $43,910 |
| Utah | $43,760 |
| Tennessee | $43,680 |
| Virginia | $43,200 |
| Indiana | $43,070 |
| Georgia | $42,950 |
| Nebraska | $42,940 |
| Kentucky | $42,710 |
| Kansas | $42,620 |
| Missouri | $42,600 |
| Delaware | $42,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,430 |
| Nevada | $42,260 |
| Maine | $41,700 |
| New Mexico | $41,600 |
| Ohio | $41,430 |
| Wyoming | $41,030 |
| Texas | $40,760 |
| Michigan | $40,500 |
| Florida | $40,160 |
| South Carolina | $38,960 |
| Mississippi | $38,820 |
| North Carolina | $38,800 |
| Alabama | $38,130 |
| Oklahoma | $38,080 |
| Louisiana | $38,020 |
| Arkansas | $37,630 |
| West Virginia | $36,110 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Light Truck Drivers
Light 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) | ~$29,580 – $36,670 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$44,140 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$52,460 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $79,630+ |
How to Earn More as a Light Truck Driver
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Light Truck Drivers in Alaska nonmetropolitan area earn $59,970 — $15,830 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 ($52,460) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Light Truck Driver Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Light Truck Driverthis career | $44,140 |
| Cargo and Freight Agent | $49,900 |
| Couriers and Messenger | $38,340 |
| Dispatcher | $48,880 |
| Postal Service Clerk | $61,630 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
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SOC: 53-3033.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.