BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Wisconsin: $53,130/year · Difference: +$2,090/year
| Metric | Wisconsin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $53,130 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $25.54 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $49,720 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $23.90 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 40.5K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Wisconsin is $53,130 per year ($25.54/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $49,720/year. Approximately 40.5 thousand drivers work in this category in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin ranks #22 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Wisconsin is $2,090 higher (+4.1%).
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.