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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,230
Median Annual Salary
▲
+0.5% vs 2024
$62,020
Mean Salary
$60,230
Median Salary
$28.96
Hourly Rate
205,090 people work as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California earn a median salary of $60,230 per year ($5,019/month).
This is 3.4% above the national average of $58,233.
California ranks #19 out of 51 states for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers pay.
Approximately 205,090 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 0.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Top Skills
Operations Monitoring
3.75
Operation and Control
3.75
Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.02
Public Safety and Security
3.87
Customer and Personal Service
3.69
English Language
3.56
Law and Government
3.05
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(54.3% of workers)
Salary Range: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California
Salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California range from $41,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,960 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,740 and $72,330.
Median $60,230
P10: $41,830P25: $48,740P75: $72,330P90: $81,960
10th
$41,830
25th
$48,740
Median
$60,230
75th
$72,330
90th
$81,960
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$41,830
$20.11
$3,485
25th Percentile
$48,740
$23.43
$4,061
Median (50th)
$60,230
$28.96
$5,019
75th Percentile
$72,330
$34.77
$6,027
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$81,960
$39.40
$6,830
Note: The mean (average) salary of $62,020 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#19
California ranks #19 of 51 states
$58,233
National avg. for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
How much do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in California?
The median annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California is $60,230 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $62,020.
What is the salary range for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California?
Salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California range from $41,830 at the 10th percentile to $81,960 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,740 and $72,330.
What is the starting salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California?
Entry-level Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers positions in California typically start around $41,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,740 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 205,090 people are employed as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California is approximately $28.96 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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