📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$84,788
per year
Median
$83,269
per year
Hourly
$40.76
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$59,785
25th Percentile — Junior$70,929
50th Percentile — Median$83,269
75th Percentile — Senior$96,004
90th Percentile — Top Earners$103,702
💡 Top-earning Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss in California make up to $103,702 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$74.9k
2021
$76.8k
2022
$78.7k
2023
$80.7k
2024
$82.7k
2025
$84.8k
2026
📈 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $131,421 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $125,486 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $145,835 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $156,858 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $91,571 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $103,441 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $122,943 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $91,571 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $120,399 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $118,703 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $108,529 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $100,050 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $131,421 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $100,050 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $94,963 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $103,441 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $97,506 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $125,486 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $135,661 +60.0% Very High
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $84,788 per year, California's Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $59,785–$70,929, while experienced Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss can command $96,004–$103,702.

Looking ahead, the Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in California is $84,788 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $59,710.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employment.
  • At $84,788/year, California Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $59,710/year.