As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Professional Truck Driver in the United States is $54,656 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Professional Truck Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Professional 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.
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 Professional 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
|
$60,121 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$57,389 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$56,842 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$56,295 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$56,295 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$55,749 |
2%
|
For Professional Truck Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Professional Truck Driver positions in Telecom or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Professional Truck Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $81,984 | $39.0 | 50% |
| Internet | $76,518 | $37.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $71,053 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $68,320 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $65,587 | $32.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Professional 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 Professional Truck Driver with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
Professional 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 Professional 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Professional Truck Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,737 in 2023 to around $48,090 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Professional Truck Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,737 |
| 2024 | $48,613 |
| 2025 | $48,090 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Professional Truck Driver roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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