Trades & Labor Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Michigan

The median truck driver salary in Michigan is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$44,928
vs National
$-4,992
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,928 per year, truck drivers in Michigan earn $4,992 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,928 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $29,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,200 — a $40,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $52,416.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level truck driver earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $36,180
Median (50th) $44,928
75th Percentile $57,420
90th Percentile $70,200

Truck Driver Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Michigan

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Michigan has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Michigan

How much does a Truck Driver make in Michigan? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Michigan is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,928, a truck driver in Michigan earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $64,800.
How does Michigan compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Michigan's median of $44,928 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($45,926) and Wisconsin ($45,926).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Michigan earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,800.
What city in Michigan pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for truck drivers, with a median salary of $52,416. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.