Light Truck Drivers Salary in U.S. (2024)
Light Truck Drivers in U.S. make a median of $44,140 a year, or about $21.22 an hour. The range runs from $30K at the entry level to $80K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $44K get you in U.S.?
About light truck drivers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level light truck drivers (10th percentile) start around $30K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $80K or more - a $50K spread from bottom to top.
Light Truck Drivers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $52K | +18% | 1,090 |
| Idaho | $48K | +9% | 7,440 |
| Arizona | $48K | +9% | 18,100 |
| Washington | $48K | +8% | 22,170 |
| North Dakota | $48K | +8% | 2,140 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +8% | 570 |
| Massachusetts | $47K | +7% | 19,360 |
| Minnesota | $47K | +7% | 18,650 |
| Wisconsin | $46K | +5% | 19,020 |
| Illinois | $46K | +5% | 48,940 |
| Maryland | $46K | +5% | 19,350 |
| Montana | $46K | +5% | 3,360 |
| New York | $46K | +4% | 52,290 |
| New Jersey | $46K | +4% | 35,290 |
| Oregon | $46K | +4% | 12,090 |
Track light truck drivers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Transportation
Frequently asked questions
How much do light truck drivers make in U.S.?
The median is $44,140 a year - that works out to about $21.22 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,580, and experienced light truck drivers can clear $79,630. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,125/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 45.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a light truck drivers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median light truck drivers salary is worth about $44,140 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do light truck drivers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.