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Heavy Truck Driver III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Truck Driver III in the United States is $60,138 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,594
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,606 to $66,658
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,838
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Heavy Truck Driver III Salaries

A Heavy Truck Driver III'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Heavy Truck Driver III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy Truck Driver III'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
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How Do Heavy Truck Driver IIIs 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 Heavy Truck Driver IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $66,585.
  • California: $66,332.
  • Massachusetts: $65,448.

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Truck Driver III

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: $75,852
  • San Francisco: $75,022
  • Oakland: $73,441

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

Heavy Truck Driver III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,321. While startup companies pay approximate $56,952.

Heavy Truck Driver III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $56,952
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,233
Established 501~5000 $65,010
Enterprise 5000+ $67,321

Heavy Truck Driver III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Heavy Truck Driver III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Truck Driver positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Truck Driver III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Heavy Truck Driver III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$78,179$38.030%
Construction$75,172$36.025%
Biotechnology$72,166$35.020%
Aerospace & Defense$69,159$33.015%
Financial Services$69,159$33.015%

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

Understanding how a Heavy Truck Driver III'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
$51,606
Average $60,138/year
$66,658
$4,301
Average $5,012/month
$5,555
$992
Average $1,157/week
$1,282
$25
Average $29/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $66,658 $5,555 $1,282 $32
Average $60,138 $5,012 $1,157 $29
25th Percentile $51,606 $4,301 $992 $25

Heavy Truck Driver III Salary Growth & Career Path

Heavy Truck Driver III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Heavy Truck Driver III, 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
Heavy Truck Driver IV $66,330 10%
Truck Dispatch Supervisor $62,128 3%

Most common benefits for Heavy Truck Driver III

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

Common company salaries for Heavy Truck Driver III

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

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FAQ about Heavy Truck Driver III

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

A Heavy Truck Driver III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Heavy Truck Driver III is $75,852.

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

The highest pay for Heavy Truck Driver III is $72,594.

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

The lowest pay for Heavy Truck Driver III is $43,838.

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

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Heavy Truck Driver III roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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