BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Texas: $51,240/year · Difference: +$200/year
| Metric | Texas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $51,240 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $24.63 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $47,640 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $22.90 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 178.5K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Texas is $51,240 per year ($24.63/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $47,640/year. Approximately 178.5 thousand drivers work in this category in Texas.
Texas ranks #32 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Texas is $200 higher (+0.4%).
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.