Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota

The median truck driver salary in North Dakota is $47,424 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$47,424
vs National
$-2,496
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,424 per year, truck drivers in North Dakota earn $2,496 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $47,424 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $52,693 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $31,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,100 — a $42,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $49,421.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level truck driver earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,400 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,400
$-3,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $31,540
25th Percentile $38,190
Median (50th) $47,424
75th Percentile $60,610
90th Percentile $74,100

Truck Driver Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Truck Driver make in North Dakota? ▼
The median truck driver salary in North Dakota is $47,424 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $31,540 (10th percentile) to $74,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,424, a truck driver in North Dakota earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for truck drivers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $33,250, while senior professionals earn $68,400.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. North Dakota's median of $47,424 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($47,923) and Illinois ($47,424).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in North Dakota earns approximately $33,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,400.
What city in North Dakota pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for truck drivers, with a median salary of $49,421. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.