BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Minnesota: $56,820/year · Difference: +$5,780/year
| Metric | Minnesota | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $56,820 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $27.32 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $53,060 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $25.50 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 40K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Minnesota is $56,820 per year ($27.32/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $53,060/year. Approximately 40 thousand drivers work in this category in Minnesota.
Minnesota ranks #11 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Minnesota is $5,780 higher (+11.3%).
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.