Truck Driver salary in California
Truck drivers in California earn a median $60,230 a year, 3% above the national median of $58,640. That ranks #19 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $48,138.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 53-3032. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,230 | $5,019 | $2,317 | $28.96 |
| Average pay | $62,020 | $5,168 | $2,385 | $29.82 |
| Take-home (median) | $48,138 | $4,012 | $1,851 | $23.14 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $5,048 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $4,608 |
| California income tax and state programs | $2,436 |
| Take-home | $48,138 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $43,478 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median truck driver earns 1.7 times that.
Truck Driver pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $60,230 | $48,138 | $43,478 |
| Arizona | $58,080 | $47,798 | $47,476 |
| Nevada | $62,290 | $52,230 | $52,241 |
| Oregon | $61,980 | $46,953 | $45,427 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do truck drivers make in California?
- The median salary is $60,230 a year ($28.96 an hour), and the average is $62,020, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do truck drivers take home in California?
- About $48,138 a year after federal and California taxes, or $1,851 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do truck drivers earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #19 of 51 for median pay, 3% above the U.S. median of $58,640. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #49.