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Heavy Truck Driver II Salary in the United States

How much does a Heavy Truck Driver II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Truck Driver II in the United States is $53,736 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,608
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,896 to $59,950
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,489

Key Factors That Influence Heavy Truck Driver II Salaries

A Heavy Truck Driver II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Heavy Truck Driver II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy Truck Driver II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Heavy Truck Driver I (0-1 years): $48,586
  • Heavy Truck Driver II (1-3 years): $53,736
  • Heavy Truck Driver III (3-5 years): $60,138
  • Heavy Truck Driver IV (5-7 years): $66,330
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Heavy Truck Driver I0-1 years$48,586
Heavy Truck Driver II1-3 years$53,736
Heavy Truck Driver III3-5 years$60,138
Heavy Truck Driver IV5-7 years$66,330

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Truck Driver II

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: $67,777
  • San Francisco: $67,035
  • Oakland: $65,622

What Skills Can Increase a Heavy Truck Driver II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 17.14% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Safety Administration (Mentioned in 2.21% Job Postings): Safety Administration it involves protecting the public from crime, disaster, and other potential threats to their safety and wellbeing.
  • CPR (Mentioned in 1.62% Job Postings): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 17.14%
Safety Administration 2.21%
CPR 1.62%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Heavy Truck Driver II's salary.

  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Hard Working: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management $59,110
10%
Hard Working $56,423
5%
Customer Satisfaction $55,885
4%

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Heavy Truck Driver II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,154. While startup companies pay approximate $50,889.

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,889
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,821
Established 501~5000 $58,090
Enterprise 5000+ $60,154

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Heavy Truck Driver II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Truck Driver positions in Telecom or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Truck Driver II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Heavy Truck Driver II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$80,604$39.050%
Internet$75,230$36.040%
Financial Services$69,857$34.030%
Insurance$67,170$32.025%
Energy & Utilities$64,483$31.020%

How Education impacts an Heavy Truck Driver II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Heavy Truck Driver II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Heavy Truck Driver II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $53,456 and $57,189.

Heavy Truck Driver II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Heavy Truck Driver II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.7%
High School 76.9%
Associates 8.9%
Bachelors 6.8%
Masters 2.2%
Doctorate 1.5%

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Heavy Truck Driver II'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 August 01, 2026
$48,896
Average $53,736/year
$59,950
$4,075
Average $4,478/month
$4,996
$940
Average $1,033/week
$1,153
$24
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $59,950 $4,996 $1,153 $29
Average $53,736 $4,478 $1,033 $26
25th Percentile $48,896 $4,075 $940 $24

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Heavy Truck Driver II, 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.

Heavy Truck Driver II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Dump Truck Driver II $68,438 27%
Heavy Truck Driver III $60,138 12%
Light Truck Driver III $55,213 3%
Truck Dispatch Supervisor $62,128 16%

Most common benefits for Heavy Truck Driver II

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

Common company salaries for Heavy Truck Driver II

Here are companies hiring for Heavy Truck Driver II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Heavy Truck Driver II

1. Where can a Heavy Truck Driver II earn the most?

A Heavy Truck Driver II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Heavy Truck Driver II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Heavy Truck Driver II is $67,777.

2. What is the highest pay for Heavy Truck Driver II?

The highest pay for Heavy Truck Driver II is $65,608.

3. What is the lowest pay for Heavy Truck Driver II?

The lowest pay for Heavy Truck Driver II is $44,489.

4. What are the responsibilities of Heavy Truck Driver II?

Operates a large or heavy truck that transports cargo to and from specified locations on time and according to schedule. Operates vehicle safely and responsibly, adhering to all DOT and company safety regulations. Conducts routine inspections prior to departure to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition. Manages appropriate cargo documentation and provides necessary paperwork upon the delivery of goods. Coordinates the loading and unloading of the truck, verifying cargo and ensuring items are properly stored and secured. Maintains contact with dispatcher to provide status updates, clarify special instructions, and notify about delays or issues during transport. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class A. May require a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Heavy Truck Driver II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Heavy Truck Driver II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

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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