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Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary in the United States

How much does a Light Cargo Truck Driver I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Light Cargo Truck Driver I in the United States is $43,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Light Cargo Truck Driver I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,817
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,990 to $49,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,623
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salaries

A Light Cargo Truck Driver I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Light Cargo Truck Driver Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,190.
  • California: $47,990.
  • Massachusetts: $47,390.

Top Paying Cities for Light Cargo Truck Driver Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $54,890
  • San Francisco: $54,290
  • Oakland: $53,190

Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Light Cargo Truck Driver I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,664. While startup companies pay approximate $41,206.

Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,206
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,570
Established 501~5000 $46,989
Enterprise 5000+ $48,664

Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Light Cargo Truck Driver I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Light Cargo Truck Driver positions in Software & Networking or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Light Cargo Truck Driver I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Light Cargo Truck Driver I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$61,026$29.040%
Financial Services$56,667$27.030%
Biotechnology$52,308$25.020%
Energy & Utilities$52,308$25.020%
Healthcare$50,128$24.015%

Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Light Cargo Truck Driver I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$40,990
Average $43,590/year
$49,990
$3,416
Average $3,633/month
$4,166
$788
Average $838/week
$961
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,990 $4,166 $961 $24
Average $43,590 $3,633 $838 $21
25th Percentile $40,990 $3,416 $788 $20

Light Cargo Truck Driver I Salary Growth & Career Path

Light Cargo Truck Driver I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Light Cargo Truck Driver I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Delivery Driver II $48,400 11%
Haul Truck Driver I $60,200 38%
Commercial Truck Driver II $53,760 23%
Truck Driver II (CDL-B) $48,390 11%

Most common benefits for Light Cargo Truck Driver I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Light Cargo Truck Driver I

Here are companies hiring for Light Cargo Truck Driver I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Light Cargo Truck Driver I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Light Cargo Truck Driver I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Light Cargo Truck Driver I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the hourly rate for truck driver in USA?

The salary for a Light Cargo Truck Driver in the USA ranges from $37,990 to $48,490 annually. This translates to an hourly rate between approximately $18.25 and $23.29, depending on experience and location. The average salary is around $43,090, which equates to about $20.73 per hour.

3. What state pays truck drivers the most?

The state that typically pays truck drivers the most offers salaries that can range from a minimum of $37,990 to a mid-level of $43,090, with top earners making up to $48,490. Factors such as demand, cost of living, and regional economic conditions can influence these salary figures significantly.

4. What is the lowest salary for a truck driver?

The lowest salary for a Light Cargo Truck Driver is $37,990. The average salary is around $43,090, with the highest earning potential reaching $48,490. These figures reflect the current market for truck drivers, providing a clear overview of the salary range in this profession.

5. Are truck drivers in demand in USA?

Yes, truck drivers are in high demand in the USA due to the constant need for goods and services. The trucking industry plays a crucial role in transporting everything from food to building materials. Light cargo truck drivers can expect salaries ranging from $37,990 to $48,490, reflecting the essential nature of their work in meeting consumer needs.

6. Do Walmart drivers really make 100k a year?

Walmart truck drivers can earn competitive salaries, but the average for light cargo truck drivers ranges from $37,990 to $48,490 annually. While some drivers may reach higher earnings, the typical salary is significantly lower than $100,000. It's essential to consider the specific role and location when evaluating potential earnings.

7. How much do cargo truck drivers make in the US?

Cargo truck drivers in the US typically earn between $37,990 and $48,490 annually, with a median salary of $43,090. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and job responsibilities within the industry.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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