How Much Does a Truck Driver Entry-Level make?

Truck Driver Entry-Level made a median salary around $52,224 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $60,401 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $45,681. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Truck Driver Entry-Level jobs in Columbus, Ohio

CDL Truck Driver

Fisher Industries - LIVINGSTON, MT

Regional CDL Truck Driver

Ruan Transportation Management Systems - ATCHISON, KS

Class A Truck Driver

10 Roads Express - WEST FARGO, ND

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Best-Paying Cities for Truck Driver Entry-Level

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Truck Driver Entry-Level profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $65,541
San Francisco, CA $65,280
Oakland, CA $63,714
New York, NY $60,998
Queens Village, NY $60,580

Best-Paying States for Truck Driver Entry-Level

The states and districts that pay Truck Driver Entry-Level the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $58,126) , California (around $57,603) , New Jersey (around $57,238) , Alaska (around $56,872) , and Massachusetts (around $56,820) .
District of Columbia $58,126
California $57,603
New Jersey $57,238
Alaska $56,872
Massachusetts $56,820

What is the Career Path of Truck Driver Entry-Level?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Truck Driver Entry-Level, the first career path typically progresses to Dump Truck Driver II.

The second career path typically starts with a Heavy Truck Driver III position , and then progresses to Heavy Truck Driver IV.

The third career path typically progresses to Light Truck Driver III.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Truck Dispatch Supervisor position , and then progresses to Truck Dispatch Supervisor, Sr..

Besides, Truck Driver Entry-Level can also turn to other related jobs, including Tanker Truck Driver , Truck Driver - Tire , Dump Truck Driver I and Dump Truck Driver II .

Frequently Asked Questions for Truck Driver Entry-Level

Q: What is the salary range of Truck Driver Entry-Level?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Truck Driver Entry-Level earned an average annual salary of $45,681 , while the highest-paid made $60,401.
Q: What is the salary for a Truck Driver Entry-Level in California?
A: Truck Driver Entry-Level employed in California earned an average salary of $57,603 in 2024.

Average Truck Driver Entry-Level Pay vs. Other Jobs

Truck Driver Entry-Level earned an average salary of $52,224 in 2024. Other jobs related to Truck Driver Entry-Level earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Tanker Truck Driver made $54,630 , Truck Driver - Tire made $39,330 , Dump Truck Driver I and Dump Truck Driver II made $66,607 and $71,910 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Truck Driver Entry-Level

Tanker Truck Driver - Average Salary $54,630
Tanker Truck Driver drives and operates industrial-grade vehicles such as tankers or mixers. Follows operating procedures for such vehicles, including safety precautions and the operating of control panels and special vehicle functions. Being a Tanker Truck Driver coordinates the loading and unloading of vehicles and verifies shipment cargo. Prepares and regularly inspects the vehicle prior to operation, checking air pressure, lights, and fluid levels. Additionally, Tanker Truck Driver manages appropriate cargo documentation and provides necessary paperwork upon the delivery of goods. Complies with all DOT, EPA, and company regulations. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class A. Requires Tanker (CDL-N) Endorsement. May Require HazMat (HME) Endorsement. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Tanker Truck Driver works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Tanker Truck Driver typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Truck Driver - Tire - Average Salary $39,330
Truck Driver - Tire safely operates company vehicle for the delivery of tires and related products to customers. Makes route deliveries between retread plants and centers. Being a Truck Driver - Tire may deliver product to service personnel for roadside service or to a customer location. Conducts daily vehicle inspections as required by DOT and company policy. Additionally, Truck Driver - Tire complies with all federal and state regulations regarding operation of a motor vehicle, and/or a commercial vehicle. Must have a "satisfactory" driving record. May require a high school diploma. Requires Truck Driver license (CDL-A). Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Truck Driver - Tire works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Truck Driver - Tire typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Dump Truck Driver I - Average Salary $66,607
Dump Truck Driver I is responsible for driving and operating a dump truck. Collects, transports, and unloads materials such as gravel, debris, or waste at specified locations. Being a Dump Truck Driver I prepares and regularly inspects the vehicle prior to operation, checking air pressure, lights, fluid levels, and hydraulic condition. Manages appropriate cargo documentation and provides necessary paperwork upon the delivery of goods. Additionally, Dump Truck Driver I complies with all DOT, EPA, and company regulations. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class B. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Dump Truck Driver I works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Dump Truck Driver I typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Dump Truck Driver II - Average Salary $71,910
Dump Truck Driver II is responsible for driving and operating a dump truck. Collects, transports, and unloads materials such as gravel, debris, or waste at specified locations. Being a Dump Truck Driver II prepares and regularly inspects the vehicle prior to operation, checking air pressure, lights, fluid levels, and hydraulic condition. Manages appropriate cargo documentation and provides necessary paperwork upon the delivery of goods. Additionally, Dump Truck Driver II complies with all DOT, EPA, and company regulations. Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class B. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Dump Truck Driver II works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Dump Truck Driver II typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Spotter Truck Driver - Average Salary $51,690
The Spotter Truck Driver backs trailer to loading docks, performs safety checks to secure trailer, opens bay doors, and assists dock workers in loading/unloading trailer. Operates gasoline or diesel powered tractor trailer combination bringing trailers to loading docks to be unloaded. Being a Spotter Truck Driver may require a high school diploma or its equivalent with. Maintains radio or telephone contact with dispatcher to receive delivery or pick up instructions or to receive notice of changes in scheduled delivery or pick up. In addition, Spotter Truck Driver typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being a Spotter Truck Driver may require 0-1 year of general work experience. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area.