upper level job

Light Truck Driver I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Light Truck Driver I in the United States is $43,502 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,836
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,971 to $49,958
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,667

Key Factors That Influence Light Truck Driver I Salaries

A Light Truck Driver I'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 Light Truck Driver I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Light Truck Driver I'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:

  • Light Truck Driver I (0-1 years): $43,502
  • Light Truck Driver II (1-3 years): $48,344
  • Light Truck Driver III (3-5 years): $55,214
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Light Truck Driver I0-1 years$43,502
Light Truck Driver II1-3 years$48,344
Light Truck Driver III3-5 years$55,214

Top Paying Cities for Light 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: $54,869
  • San Francisco: $54,268
  • Oakland: $53,125

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

Light 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 $48,615. While startup companies pay approximate $41,124.

Light Truck Driver I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,124
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,492
Established 501~5000 $46,944
Enterprise 5000+ $48,615

Light Truck Driver I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Light 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 Truck Driver positions in Software & Networking or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Light Truck Driver I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Light Truck Driver I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$60,903$29.040%
Financial Services$56,553$27.030%
Biotechnology$52,202$25.020%
Energy & Utilities$52,202$25.020%
Healthcare$50,027$24.015%

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

Understanding how a Light 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 September 01, 2026
$40,971
Average $43,502/year
$49,958
$3,414
Average $3,625/month
$4,163
$788
Average $837/week
$961
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,958 $4,163 $961 $24
Average $43,502 $3,625 $837 $21
25th Percentile $40,971 $3,414 $788 $20

Light Truck Driver I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Light 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.

Light Truck Driver I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Delivery Truck Driver II $48,314 11%
Dump Truck Driver I $60,184 38%
Heavy Truck Driver II $53,744 24%
Light Truck Driver II $48,344 11%

Most common benefits for Light Truck Driver I

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

Common company salaries for Light Truck Driver I

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

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FAQ about Light Truck Driver I

1. Where can a Light Truck Driver I earn the most?

A Light Truck Driver I'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 Light Truck Driver I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Light Truck Driver I is $54,869.

2. What is the highest pay for Light Truck Driver I?

The highest pay for Light Truck Driver I is $55,836.

3. What is the lowest pay for Light Truck Driver I?

The lowest pay for Light Truck Driver I is $38,667.

4. What are the responsibilities of Light Truck Driver I?

Operates a truck that transports small or light 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 B. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

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

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