Trades & Labor Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Truck Driver Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median truck driver salary in Cleveland, OH is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$42,931
vs State Avg
$-1,997
vs National
$-6,989
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median truck driver salary of $42,931, which is $1,997 below the Ohio state average of $44,928. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,931 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Cleveland spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,528 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,920
$-10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $34,572
Median (50th) $42,931
75th Percentile $54,868
90th Percentile $67,080

Truck Driver Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$47,424
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$44,928
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$41,933
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$40,934
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Truck Driver in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open truck driver positions in Cleveland, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Truck Driver make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,931, a truck driver in Cleveland earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Cleveland's median truck driver salary of $42,931 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $44,928. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $42,931 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Cleveland? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Cleveland 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.