As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Long Haul Truck Driver in the United States is $53,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Long Haul Truck Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Long Haul Truck Driver'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 Long Haul Truck Driver'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 Long Haul Truck Driver | $52,584 |
| Intermediate Level Long Haul Truck Driver | $52,948 |
| Senior Level Long Haul Truck Driver | $53,459 |
| Specialist Level Long Haul Truck Driver | $54,374 |
| Expert Level Long Haul Truck Driver | $56,240 |
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 Long Haul Truck 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
|
$59,205 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$56,514 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,976 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$55,438 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$55,438 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,900 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Long Haul Truck 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 Long Haul Truck Driver with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
Long Haul Truck Driver 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 Long Haul Truck Driver'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 Long Haul Truck Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,028 in 2023 to around $47,404 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Long Haul Truck Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,028 |
| 2024 | $47,920 |
| 2025 | $47,404 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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