Truck Driver Salary in California
Truck Drivers in California earn an average of $63,457 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$63,457
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.51
per hour
vs National
+16.8%
$54,320 national
Salary Range
$40,919
to $91,882
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$63,457
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$44,688
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Truck Driver's salary of $63,457 has the purchasing power of $44,688 in an average-cost area.
Truck Driver Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $75,456 | $36.28/hr | $47,245 | $113,729 | 2,442 |
| San Francisco, CA | $73,773 | $35.47/hr | $46,755 | $105,811 | 2,758 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $60,923 | $29.29/hr | $39,395 | $89,893 | 2,616 |
| San Diego, CA | $59,230 | $28.48/hr | $38,726 | $83,543 | 1,600 |
| Sacramento, CA | $57,132 | $27.47/hr | $36,779 | $82,796 | 1,589 |
| Riverside, CA | $54,227 | $26.07/hr | $36,615 | $75,517 | 2,059 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Truck Driver Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 13,064 Truck Drivers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Truck Driver Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$40,919
Starting salary for new Truck Drivers
Median (50th Percentile)
$63,457
Mid-career Truck Driver salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$91,882
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Truck Driver Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Truck Driver salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Truck Driver salary in California?
The average Truck Driver salary in California is $63,457 per year ($30.51/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.8% above the national average of $54,320.
What is the highest paying city for Truck Drivers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Truck Drivers in California, with a median salary of $75,456 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $54,227.
What is the salary range for Truck Drivers in California?
Truck Driver salaries in California range from $40,919 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $91,882 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $63,457 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.