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Truck Driver Salaries in Rhode Island — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $59,710 per year, equivalent to $28.71/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Rhode Island employs approximately 3,260 truck drivers statewide.

Truck Driver salaries in Rhode Island are above the national average by approximately $3,218. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

Strong demand and union representation mean truck drivers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.

Rhode Island Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Rhode Island after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$59,710
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$46,372

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Rhode Island Truck Driver Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Rhode Island median of $59,710.

Your annual salary ($)

Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Rhode Island

Entry Level (0–2 years)$37,000/yr · $17.79/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Rhode Island.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$53,141/yr · $25.55/hr
Established professional working independently in Rhode Island. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$66,278/yr · $31.86/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Rhode Island.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$86,000+/yr · $41.35/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Rhode Island.
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Truck Driver Salary Trend in Rhode Island — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Rhode Island has seen 13.9% wage growth for truck drivers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Rhode Island's freight and logistics.

2021
$52,425
2022
$55,470
+5.8%
2023
$58,038
+4.6%
2024
$58,993
+1.6%
2026
$59,710
+1.2%

Truck Driver Salary by City — Rhode Island

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Providence$66,300$31.88+11.0%1,141
Cranston$63,300$30.43+6.0%912
Warwick$61,500$29.57+3.0%586
Pawtucket$57,300$27.55-4.0%293
East Providence$54,350$26.13-9.0%195
Woonsocket$51,950$24.98-13.0%130

Tip: Providence offers the highest truck driver salaries in Rhode Island at $66,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Rhode Island vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Rhode Island sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.

Rhode Island — 5.99% state income tax$59,710 gross~$46,372 take-home
Connecticut — 6.99%$58,700 gross-1.7% vs RI
Massachusetts — 5.0%$60,630 gross+1.5% vs RI

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.

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Truck Driver Job Outlook in Rhode Island

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
3,260Currently employed
326+New jobs projected

Employment for truck drivers in Rhode Island is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Rhode Island job market. Strong demand and union representation mean truck drivers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Rhode Island

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Rhode Island typically adds $49,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Providence pays truck drivers $66,300/yr — +11.0% above the Rhode Island average. Simply relocating within Rhode Island can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in Rhode Island. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Connecticut pays truck drivers $58,700/yr — -1.7% vs Rhode Island.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Rhode Island

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average truck driver salary in Rhode Island?
The average truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $59,710 per year, or $28.71 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $37,000 while experienced professionals earn $86,000 or more.
Which Rhode Island city has the highest truck driver salary?
Providence pays truck drivers the most in Rhode Island at an average of $66,300 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is truck driver pay in Rhode Island above or below the US average?
Rhode Island truck driver salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $3,218. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
What is the take-home pay for a truck driver in Rhode Island?
A truck driver earning the Rhode Island average of $59,710 takes home approximately $46,372 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Rhode Island has a state income tax rate of up to 5.99%.
Should you become a truck driver in Rhode Island?
Yes. Truck Driver is a strong career choice in Rhode Island with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong demand and union representation mean truck drivers in Rhode Island often earn above the national median.
What's the licensing process for truck drivers in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, truck drivers are licensed through the State DMV — CDL Licence. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State DMV — CDL Licence for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.