Truck driver pay: the honest numbers
Official numbers, so you can ask for a fair rate. Pay depends on experience, freight, region, home time and endorsements.
United States: heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (May 2025)
| Per year | About per week | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn less than | $40,140 | $770 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $58,640 | $1,130 |
| Highest 10% earn more than | $79,380 | $1,530 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (median hourly wage $28.19). Weekly = yearly ÷ 52, rounded. bls.gov
What usually raises pay
- More verifiable experience (many carriers step up pay at 1, 2 and 5 years).
- Endorsements: Hazmat (H), tanker (N) or both (X).
- Specialised freight: flatbed, tanker, car hauler, oversize.
- OTR and team driving pay more per week than local, but you are home less.
- A clean record: no recent accidents or moving violations.
Sign-on bonuses are usually paid in parts over months. Ask for the pay plan in writing before you start.
Canada
For Canadian rates by province, search “Transport truck drivers” (NOC 73300) on the Government of Canada Job Bank wage tool. Job Bank: search wages