Truck Driver (CDL) Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $54,320/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $45,685/year take-home — 15.9% effective rate.
Truck Driver (CDL) Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $35,000 | $30,161 | $2,513 | 13.8% |
| 25th Percentile | $41,000 | $34,982 | $2,915 | 14.7% |
| MedianBLS Median | $54,320 | $45,685 | $3,807 | 15.9% |
| 75th Percentile | $73,000 | $59,742 | $4,978 | 18.2% |
| 90th Percentile | $95,000 | $75,219 | $6,268 | 20.8% |
| Senior Level | $82,000 | $66,073 | $5,506 | 19.4% |
Truck Driver (CDL) Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $63,147 | $52,777 | $4,398 | 16.4% |
| North Dakota | $58,394 | $48,187 | $4,016 | 17.5% |
| Wyoming | $58,666 | $49,177 | $4,098 | 16.2% |
| Washington | $61,925 | $51,795 | $4,316 | 16.4% |
| Nevada | $60,431 | $50,595 | $4,216 | 16.3% |
About This Career
Truck drivers haul freight across local, regional, and long-haul routes, with owner-operators and specialized hazmat and oversized load drivers earning substantially above the median. The e-commerce logistics boom has maintained strong demand despite automation concerns around autonomous trucking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Truck Driver (CDL) salary in the US?+
The national median Truck Driver (CDL) salary is $54,320 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $41,000 and $73,000, while the top 10% earn over $95,000.
How much does a Truck Driver (CDL) take home after taxes?+
A Truck Driver (CDL) earning the median $54,320 takes home approximately $45,685 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Truck Driver (CDL)s earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Truck Driver (CDL)s are Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming. Top cities include Dallas, Chicago, Houston, where salaries can exceed $73,000 for experienced professionals.