Truck Driver Salaries in Texas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median truck driver salary in Texas is $53,070 per year, equivalent to $25.51/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Texas employs approximately 212,700 truck drivers statewide.
Truck Driver salaries in Texas are below the national average by approximately $3,422. Texas has no state income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for truck drivers.
Texas Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Texas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Texas has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Texas has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Texas Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Texas median of $53,070.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Texas
Truck Driver Salary Trend in Texas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Texas 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 Texas's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — Texas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $58,900 | $28.32 | +11.0% | 74,445 |
| Dallas | $56,250 | $27.04 | +6.0% | 59,556 |
| Austin | $54,650 | $26.27 | +3.0% | 38,286 |
| San Antonio | $50,950 | $24.50 | -4.0% | 19,143 |
| Fort Worth | $48,300 | $23.22 | -9.0% | 12,762 |
| El Paso | $46,150 | $22.19 | -13.0% | 8,508 |
Tip: Houston offers the highest truck driver salaries in Texas at $58,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Texas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Texas compares favourably for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in Texas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in Texas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Texas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for truck drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Texas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Texas typically adds $43,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Houston pays truck drivers $58,900/yr — +11.0% above the Texas average. Simply relocating within Texas 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 Texas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Mexico pays truck drivers $48,360/yr — -8.9% vs Texas.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Texas
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in Texas:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Texas — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Texas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — Houston, TX→