As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Route Drivers in the United States is $52,153 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Route Drivers's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Route Drivers'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Route Drivers'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Route Drivers | $51,651 |
| Intermediate Level Route Drivers | $52,009 |
| Senior Level Route Drivers | $52,511 |
| Specialist Level Route Drivers | $53,410 |
| Expert Level Route Drivers | $55,242 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Route Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 17.14% |
| Safety Administration | 2.21% |
| CPR | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$57,368 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$54,760 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$54,239 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$53,717 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$53,717 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$53,196 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Route Drivers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Route Drivers with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
Route Drivers Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Route Drivers'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Route Drivers can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $48,158 in 2023 to around $46,563 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Route Drivers salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $48,158 |
| 2024 | $47,071 |
| 2025 | $46,563 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Route Drivers and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Route Drivers job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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.)
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