BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Ohio: $52,810/year · Difference: +$1,770/year
| Metric | Ohio | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $52,810 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $25.39 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $49,510 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $23.80 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 76.1K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Ohio is $52,810 per year ($25.39/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $49,510/year. Approximately 76.1 thousand drivers work in this category in Ohio.
Ohio ranks #24 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Ohio is $1,770 higher (+3.5%).
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.