BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · New Jersey: $66,850/year · Difference: +$8,610/year
| Metric | New Jersey | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $66,850 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $32.14 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $64,720 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $31.12 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 54.6K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in New Jersey is $66,850 per year ($32.14/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $64,720/year. Approximately 54.6 thousand drivers work in this category in New Jersey.
New Jersey ranks #2 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; New Jersey is $8,610 higher (+14.8%).
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.