BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · California: $60,610/year · Difference: +$2,370/year
| Metric | California | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $60,610 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $29.14 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $59,950 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $28.82 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 212.3K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in California is $60,610 per year ($29.14/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $59,950/year. Approximately 212.3 thousand drivers work in this category in California.
California ranks #16 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; California is $2,370 higher (+4.1%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.