The BLS median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $57,440 based on the May 2024 OEWS survey, which is the primary federal benchmark used for 2026 planning. Actual pay in 2026 varies significantly by CDL class, route type, employer, state, and freight type. OTR drivers with CDL-A and strong miles often earn $65,000 to $85,000. Owner-operators net $60,000 to $120,000 after operating costs. Specialized drivers (hazmat, tanker, flatbed) and Teamster-contract positions at UPS Freight or ABF can exceed $90,000 per year.

Company drivers earn $0.50 to $0.70 per mile for most OTR positions in 2026. New drivers typically start at $0.50 to $0.55 per mile. Experienced drivers with 3 to 7 years of clean records reach $0.58 to $0.65 per mile. Veteran drivers at top carriers can exceed $0.68 per mile. At 2,500 miles per week, a $0.58/mile rate produces $1,450 per week, or about $72,500 per year at 50 weeks. Owner-operators earn $1.50 to $2.50 per loaded mile in gross revenue but pay all operating costs from that amount.

Most interstate long-haul truck drivers are exempt from federal overtime requirements under the Motor Carrier Act exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act. This exemption applies to drivers involved in interstate commerce who operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 lbs. Some states have their own overtime laws that may apply differently. California, for example, has extended certain overtime protections to some truck drivers. Local and regional drivers in intrastate routes may have different rules depending on their state. Always verify overtime eligibility with your employer or an employment attorney. If overtime applies to you, use our overtime calculator to estimate your extra pay.

Owner-operators typically gross $200,000 to $350,000 in annual revenue. After fuel (25 to 35% of gross), insurance ($8,000 to $18,000/year), truck payments, maintenance, permits, IFTA taxes, and miscellaneous costs, the average net income ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 per year. High-performing owner-operators with low overhead and strong freight can net $130,000 to $180,000 or more. The difference between a good and great owner-operator income is usually cost management, not gross revenue. Use our self-employment tax calculator to estimate your tax bill on top of these costs.

Based on BLS OEWS data, Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming consistently rank among the highest-paying states for heavy truck drivers due to remote routes, specialized cargo, and supply chain demand. Massachusetts, New York, and Washington also pay above the national median due to cost of living adjustments and strong union influence. However, higher gross pay in high-cost states does not always translate to better take-home pay when state income taxes and living costs are factored in. States with no state income tax like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Nevada can be financially competitive even at median pay rates.

A lease-purchase arrangement lets you lease a truck from a carrier with the option to own it at the end of the term. You are typically classified as an independent contractor (1099) and earn a higher gross rate per mile than a company driver. However, truck payments, fuel, and operating costs come out of your gross before you see net income. Lease-purchase programs have been criticized by the FMCSA and advocacy groups for leaving drivers with net income below company driver wages once all deductions are applied. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of all weekly deductions before signing a lease-purchase agreement.

Company drivers (W-2) have federal income tax withheld by their employer based on their W-4, plus Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45% of gross wages. Owner-operators and 1099 contractors pay self-employment tax at 15.3% on net self-employment earnings (up to the Social Security wage base of $176,100 for 2025, with an adjustment expected for 2026) plus federal income tax at their marginal bracket rate. Owner-operators can deduct business expenses including fuel, insurance, depreciation, truck payments (interest portion), meals while traveling, and other legitimate costs. Use our federal tax calculator to estimate your federal income tax and our FICA tax calculator for Social Security and Medicare.

CDL Class A drivers consistently earn the most. Class A is required for combination vehicles like tractor-trailers, tankers, and double/triple trailers. The national median for heavy and tractor-trailer drivers (predominantly CDL-A) was $57,440 per BLS. Adding endorsements such as Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), or Doubles/Triples (T) can add $2,000 to $10,000 or more per year. CDL Class B drivers operating straight trucks, city buses, or delivery vehicles earn slightly below the Class A median. CDL Class C covers smaller specialized vehicles and generally pays the least of the three CDL tiers. Use our hourly to salary calculator to convert CDL-B hourly rates to annual equivalents.