BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · Rhode Island: $62,130/year · Difference: +$3,890/year
| Metric | Rhode Island | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $62,130 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $29.87 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $59,710 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $28.71 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 3.6K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $62,130 per year ($29.87/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $59,710/year. Approximately 3.6 thousand drivers work in this category in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island ranks #8 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; Rhode Island is $3,890 higher (+6.7%).
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.