Light Truck Driver Salary
Light Truck Drivers earn a median $44,860 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
U.S. median
$44,860
$21.57 per hour
Range
$30,800 – $80,310
10th to 90th percentile
Employed
983,300
across the U.S.
▲1.6%
Pay trend: The median for light truck drivers in the U.S. rose from $44,140 (May 2024) to $44,860 (May 2025). That trailed inflation (2.4%), so buying power slipped about 0.8%.
What light truck drivers do
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +6.3% (faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 107,200
- Self-employed
- 7%
Employment of light truck drivers is projected to grow 6.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 107,200 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Light Truck Driver take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
Your take-home pay
$38,225
per year · effective tax rate 14.8%
$3,185Monthly
$1,593Twice a month
$1,470Every 2 weeks
$18.38Hourly
- Federal income tax$3,203
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,781
- Medicare (1.45%)$650
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$38,225
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,800 | $14.81 | $26,928 |
| 25th percentile | $37,270 | $17.92 | $32,126 |
| Median (50th) | $44,860 | $21.57 | $38,225 |
| 75th percentile | $52,310 | $25.15 | $44,211 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,310 | $38.61 | $65,328 |
Best cities for light truck drivers (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chattanooga, TN | $49,990 | $42,347 | $46,299 | 3,500 |
| 2 | Memphis, TN | $48,350 | $41,029 | $44,510 | 8,190 |
| 3 | Louisville, KY | $47,150 | $38,532 | $41,400 | 6,340 |
| 4 | St. Louis, MO | $47,150 | $38,786 | $40,790 | 7,180 |
| 5 | Omaha, NE | $45,080 | $37,230 | $40,507 | 2,350 |
| 6 | Kansas City, MO | $45,290 | $37,379 | $40,391 | 8,020 |
| 7 | Lakeland, FL | $46,010 | $39,149 | $40,301 | 2,650 |
| 8 | Harrisburg, PA | $48,020 | $39,290 | $39,828 | 3,470 |
| 9 | Nashville, TN | $44,970 | $38,313 | $39,770 | 11,940 |
| 10 | Austin, TX | $45,820 | $38,996 | $39,765 | 6,380 |
| 11 | New Orleans, LA | $43,940 | $36,554 | $39,476 | 3,360 |
| 12 | Des Moines, IA | $43,200 | $35,901 | $39,150 | 3,470 |
| 13 | Madison, WI | $46,120 | $37,989 | $39,049 | 2,550 |
| 14 | Cincinnati, OH | $44,070 | $37,161 | $38,965 | 7,590 |
| 15 | Milwaukee, WI | $45,790 | $37,739 | $38,931 | 6,350 |
| 16 | Indianapolis, IN | $45,180 | $37,179 | $38,851 | 7,530 |
| 17 | Cleveland, OH | $43,160 | $36,455 | $38,813 | 6,360 |
| 18 | Columbus, OH | $43,800 | $36,951 | $38,705 | 7,210 |
| 19 | Dayton, OH | $42,200 | $35,710 | $38,524 | 2,580 |
| 20 | Salt Lake City, UT | $46,990 | $38,788 | $38,454 | 5,770 |
| 21 | Minneapolis, MN | $49,670 | $40,236 | $38,385 | 11,560 |
| 22 | San Jose, CA | $52,100 | $42,190 | $38,207 | 4,480 |
| 23 | Denver, CO | $49,360 | $40,377 | $38,170 | 9,500 |
| 24 | Baton Rouge, LA | $41,450 | $34,628 | $38,145 | 2,870 |
| 25 | Houston, TX | $43,920 | $37,470 | $37,991 | 19,050 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- San Jose, CA — $52,100
- San Francisco, CA — $50,820
- Chattanooga, TN — $49,990
- Minneapolis, MN — $49,670
- Boston, MA — $49,630
- Seattle, WA — $49,590
- Denver, CO — $49,360
- Memphis, TN — $48,350
- Baltimore, MD — $48,080
- Harrisburg, PA — $48,020
- Chicago, IL — $47,950
- Portland, OR — $47,720
- New York, NY — $47,440
- Louisville, KY — $47,150
- St. Louis, MO — $47,150
Light Truck Driver salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $57,190 | +10.0% | $48,132 | $37,210 – $96,300 | 1,790 |
| District of Columbia | $49,330 | +3.6% | $40,023 | $37,890 – $69,400 | 540 |
| Washington | $49,070 | +2.5% | $41,608 | $37,890 – $74,080 | 23,290 |
| Minnesota | $48,880 | +3.0% | $39,655 | $31,490 – $90,340 | 17,360 |
| Colorado | $48,410 | +3.1% | $39,656 | $37,230 – $82,220 | 15,810 |
| Maryland | $48,150 | +4.2% | $38,945 | $33,710 – $80,700 | 18,420 |
| Massachusetts | $48,110 | +1.4% | $38,651 | $34,700 – $75,340 | 23,350 |
| North Dakota | $47,950 | +0.4% | $40,708 | $33,750 – $92,440 | 1,950 |
| Illinois | $47,380 | +2.0% | $38,049 | $33,130 – $91,360 | 47,190 |
| Oregon | $47,150 | +3.2% | $36,769 | $36,680 – $73,070 | 11,120 |
| New Jersey | $46,820 | +2.0% | $38,761 | $34,750 – $71,070 | 33,900 |
| California | $46,790 | +2.8% | $38,307 | $36,750 – $93,280 | 111,950 |
| Montana | $46,420 | +0.4% | $38,053 | $33,470 – $93,770 | 2,960 |
| New York | $46,330 | +0.6% | $37,501 | $34,070 – $72,890 | 56,490 |
| New Hampshire | $46,260 | +2.8% | $39,350 | $30,640 – $63,770 | 4,670 |
| Hawaii | $45,930 | +3.7% | $37,094 | $34,740 – $85,100 | 3,690 |
| Utah | $45,860 | +4.8% | $37,931 | $33,970 – $64,670 | 9,930 |
| Wisconsin | $45,670 | −1.7% | $37,647 | $30,340 – $72,860 | 19,140 |
| Rhode Island | $45,660 | +0.9% | $37,772 | $31,200 – $72,810 | 3,110 |
| Missouri | $45,500 | +6.8% | $37,538 | $29,370 – $93,710 | 16,210 |
| Arizona | $45,140 | −5.8% | $37,530 | $34,660 – $92,590 | 18,400 |
| Vermont | $45,090 | +1.5% | $37,333 | $30,720 – $65,130 | 2,050 |
| Tennessee | $45,050 | +3.1% | $38,378 | $29,190 – $83,480 | 33,710 |
| Indiana | $44,560 | +3.5% | $36,699 | $29,330 – $92,080 | 19,880 |
| Maine | $44,550 | +6.8% | $36,150 | $31,310 – $93,670 | 3,120 |
| Connecticut | $44,500 | +0.6% | $36,858 | $34,010 – $74,420 | 10,720 |
| Idaho | $44,370 | −7.4% | $36,588 | $31,950 – $95,830 | 7,120 |
| Nebraska | $44,120 | +2.7% | $36,503 | $29,710 – $92,370 | 4,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,120 | +4.0% | $36,276 | $27,560 – $82,170 | 42,380 |
| Georgia | $44,050 | +2.6% | $35,911 | $28,020 – $82,790 | 26,050 |
| Delaware | $43,990 | +3.4% | $35,761 | $31,200 – $65,150 | 4,200 |
| Wyoming | $43,780 | +6.7% | $37,357 | $27,530 – $94,640 | 1,450 |
| Nevada | $43,760 | +3.5% | $37,341 | $31,270 – $69,690 | 9,520 |
| Kansas | $43,730 | +2.6% | $35,677 | $27,410 – $70,620 | 9,140 |
| South Dakota | $43,240 | −1.9% | $36,923 | $27,520 – $59,400 | 4,820 |
| Kentucky | $43,230 | +1.2% | $35,520 | $26,780 – $84,040 | 15,630 |
| Michigan | $43,000 | +6.2% | $35,154 | $29,470 – $83,460 | 26,160 |
| Iowa | $42,750 | −2.6% | $35,557 | $29,600 – $92,460 | 9,680 |
| Ohio | $42,600 | +2.8% | $36,020 | $27,460 – $63,740 | 35,130 |
| Texas | $42,500 | +4.3% | $36,329 | $28,120 – $91,280 | 78,540 |
| Virginia | $42,450 | −1.7% | $34,662 | $28,740 – $63,770 | 25,170 |
| New Mexico | $42,360 | +1.8% | $35,362 | $30,590 – $58,320 | 4,220 |
| Florida | $41,810 | +4.1% | $35,774 | $29,880 – $62,330 | 67,390 |
| North Carolina | $39,910 | +2.9% | $33,164 | $26,490 – $61,340 | 31,810 |
| Oklahoma | $39,840 | +4.6% | $32,944 | $24,960 – $91,780 | 10,020 |
| Louisiana | $39,440 | +3.7% | $33,073 | $25,330 – $76,360 | 14,300 |
| West Virginia | $38,860 | +7.6% | $32,343 | $23,950 – $93,790 | 3,330 |
| Alabama | $38,490 | +0.9% | $31,447 | $27,100 – $78,240 | 13,980 |
| Mississippi | $38,140 | −1.8% | $32,032 | $25,880 – $90,840 | 7,030 |
| South Carolina | $37,680 | −3.3% | $31,352 | $23,500 – $62,870 | 11,950 |
| Arkansas | $37,080 | −1.5% | $30,740 | $27,100 – $72,880 | 9,340 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver/Sales Worker | $38,770 | High school diploma or equivalent | +7.9% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver | $58,640 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.8% |
| Taxi Driver | $42,100 | No formal educational credential | +11.5% |
| Bus Drivers, School | $47,920 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.7% |
| Shuttle Driver and Chauffeur | $37,290 | No formal educational credential | +7.1% |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $37,180 | No formal educational credential | +2.8% |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | $35,450 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.3% |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $59,050 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.1% |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | $45,650 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.0% |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator | $46,420 | No formal educational credential | +1.5% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a light truck driver make?
The national median salary for light truck drivers is $44,860 a year ($21.57 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $30,800 and the top 10% earn over $80,310. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays light truck drivers the most?
Alaska has the highest median pay at $57,190. After taxes and local prices, Chattanooga, TN offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many light truck drivers are there in the U.S.?
About 983,300 people work as light truck drivers nationwide.
All 75 cities
- Akron, OH
- Albany, NY
- Allentown, PA
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Birmingham, AL
- Boise City, ID
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Cape Coral, FL
- Charlotte, NC
- Chattanooga, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Cincinnati, OH
- Cleveland, OH
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Dayton, OH
- Denver, CO
- Des Moines, IA
- Detroit, MI
- Fresno, CA
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Greensboro, NC
- Harrisburg, PA
- Hartford, CT
- Houston, TX
- Indianapolis, IN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Kansas City, MO
- Knoxville, TN
- Lakeland, FL
- Las Vegas, NV
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Louisville, KY
- Madison, WI
- Memphis, TN
- Miami, FL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- North Port, FL
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Omaha, NE
- Orlando, FL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Portland, OR
- Providence, RI
- Raleigh, NC
- Richmond, VA
- Riverside, CA
- Rochester, NY
- Sacramento, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Seattle, WA
- St. Louis, MO
- Stockton, CA
- Syracuse, NY
- Tampa, FL
- Tulsa, OK
- Urban Honolulu, HI
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Washington, DC
- Worcester, MA