Trades & Labor Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Truck Driver Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median truck driver salary in Los Angeles, CA is $75,379 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median and 5.6% above the California state average.

City Median
$75,379
vs State Avg
+$3,993
vs National
+$25,459
Cost of Living
146%

Truck Driver Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median truck driver salary of $75,379, which is $3,993 above the California state average of $71,386. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $75,379 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,629. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for truck drivers in Los Angeles spans from $50,132 at the 10th percentile to $117,780 at the 90th percentile — a $67,648 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,850, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,720. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Truck Driver Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level truck driver earns around $52,850, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,850
+$17,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,500
+$25,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,720
+$36,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $50,132
25th Percentile $60,702
Median (50th) $75,379
75th Percentile $96,338
90th Percentile $117,780

Truck Driver Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Truck Driver in Los Angeles

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Los Angeles

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Truck Driver make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Los Angeles, California is $75,379 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $50,132 (10th percentile) to $117,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,379, a truck driver in Los Angeles earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median truck driver salary of $75,379 is 5.6% above the California state average of $71,386. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $75,379 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Los Angeles? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Los Angeles require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.