Trades & Labor Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island

The median truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $52,416 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$52,416
vs National
+$2,496
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for truck driver pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,416 per year, truck drivers in Rhode Island earn $2,496 more than the national median of $49,920.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning truck driver salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $34,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,900 — a $47,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $53,914.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level truck driver earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
+$3,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $42,210
Median (50th) $52,416
75th Percentile $66,990
90th Percentile $81,900

Truck Driver Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Truck Driver make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $52,416 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $81,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,416, a truck driver in Rhode Island earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $36,750, while senior professionals earn $75,600.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Rhode Island's median of $52,416 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($53,414) and New Hampshire ($52,416).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Rhode Island earns approximately $36,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $75,600.
What city in Rhode Island pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for truck drivers, with a median salary of $53,914. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.