Trades & Labor Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Truck Driver Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median truck driver salary in Detroit, MI is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$43,930
vs State Avg
$-998
vs National
$-5,990
Cost of Living
88%

Truck Driver Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median truck driver salary of $43,930, which is $998 below the Michigan state average of $44,928. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,930 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Detroit spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Truck Driver Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $35,376
Median (50th) $43,930
75th Percentile $56,144
90th Percentile $68,640

Truck Driver Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$52,416
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$44,928
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$43,930
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$42,931
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Truck Driver in Detroit

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan 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 Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Detroit

Browse open truck driver positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Detroit

How much does a Truck Driver make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Detroit, Michigan is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,930, a truck driver in Detroit earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Detroit's median truck driver salary of $43,930 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $44,928. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $43,930 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Detroit? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Detroit 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.