📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Heavy Truck Driver Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$77,134
per year
Median
$71,483
per year
Hourly
$37.08
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$51,173
25th Percentile — Junior$65,188
50th Percentile — Median$71,483
75th Percentile — Senior$96,723
90th Percentile — Top Earners$108,326
💡 Top-earning Heavy Truck Drivers in California make up to $108,326 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
$68.2k
2021
$69.9k
2022
$71.6k
2023
$73.4k
2024
$75.3k
2025
$77.1k
2026
📈 Heavy Truck Driver 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 Truck Driver Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $119,558 +55.0% High
San Diego $114,158 +48.0% High
San Jose $132,670 +72.0% High
San Francisco $142,698 +85.0% High
Fresno $83,305 +8.0% High
Sacramento $94,103 +22.0% High
Long Beach $111,844 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $83,305 +8.0% High
Anaheim $109,530 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $107,988 +40.0% High
Riverside $98,732 +28.0% High
Stockton $91,018 +18.0% High
Irvine $119,558 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $91,018 +18.0% High
Modesto $86,390 +12.0% High
Fontana $94,103 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $88,704 +15.0% High
Glendale $114,158 +48.0% High
Fremont $123,414 +60.0% High
🔍
Heavy Truck Driver Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Heavy Truck Drivers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $77,134 per year, California's Heavy Truck Driver 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 $51,173–$65,188, while experienced Heavy Truck Drivers can command $96,723–$108,326.

Looking ahead, the Heavy Truck Driver 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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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Heavy Truck Driver salary in California is $77,134 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $54,320.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Heavy Truck Drivers 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 Truck Driver employment.
  • At $77,134/year, California Heavy Truck Driver salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $54,320/year.