Light Truck Driver Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $68,634 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $67,306 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $62,878 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $61,106 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $58,450 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $57,564 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $56,678 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $55,350 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $54,022 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $50,922 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $50,922 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $50,479 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $49,594 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $48,708 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $48,708 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $47,822 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $46,494 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $46,494 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $45,166 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $45,166 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $44,280 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $44,280 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $43,837 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $43,837 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $43,394 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $42,066 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $42,066 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $41,180 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $41,180 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $41,180 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $40,738 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $40,738 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $40,295 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $39,852 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $38,966 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $38,524 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $38,524 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $38,524 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $38,081 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $37,638 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $37,638 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $37,195 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $36,752 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $36,752 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $35,424 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $34,538 | -22.0% | High |
A Light Truck Driver's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Light Truck Drivers typically earn $30,230–$38,030 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $55,580–$61,898 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Light Truck Driver role currently has high demand in the job market with a 3.5% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Transportation sector.
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What is the average salary for a Light Truck Driver?The average salary for a Light Truck Driver in the United States is $44,280 per year, with a median of $41,280.
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What is the starting salary for a Light Truck Driver?Entry-level Light Truck Drivers typically earn between $30,230 and $38,030 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Light Truck Drivers the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Light Truck Drivers the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Light Truck Driver make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $44,280, a Light Truck Driver earns approximately $21.29 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Light Truck Driver a good career in 2026?Yes — the Light Truck Driver role has high demand with 3.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.