Trades & Labor Texas (TX) Rank #26 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Texas

The median truck driver salary in Texas is $47,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$47,923
vs National
$-1,997
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #26 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,923 per year, truck drivers in Texas earn $1,997 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $47,923 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $52,090 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $31,872, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,880 — a $43,008 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $54,413.

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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level truck driver earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,120 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $38,592
Median (50th) $47,923
75th Percentile $61,248
90th Percentile $74,880

Truck Driver Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Texas

How much does a Truck Driver make in Texas? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Texas is $47,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,923, a truck driver in Texas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Texas ranks #26 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $69,120.
How does Texas compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Texas's median of $47,923 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($47,923) and Pennsylvania ($47,923).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Texas earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,120.
What city in Texas pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for truck drivers, with a median salary of $54,413. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.