Careers · Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers · California
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in California
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers operate trucks weighing at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight, transporting cargo across routes. They work for trucking companies, logistics firms, and other businesses requiring freight transport In California the median pay is $60,230 a year, 3% above the national median of $58,640.
$60,230median pay in California, per year
$48,740–$72,330middle half earn
205,090employed in California
$58,640U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingTroubleshootingTime Management
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentMechanical
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Licenses and training in California
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers pay in other states
Alaska · $70,100Washington · $64,760District of Columbia · $64,170New Jersey · $63,570Massachusetts · $63,030Nevada · $62,290New York · $62,050Minnesota · $61,990Oregon · $61,980Colorado · $61,500
Related occupations
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-3032.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.