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Truck Driver Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a truck driver make in Virginia? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $54,500/yr ($26.20/hr), with around 55,430 people working in this field statewide.

Truck Driver salaries in Virginia are below the national average by approximately $1,992. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for truck drivers.

Virginia Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$54,500
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$43,729

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Truck Driver Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $54,500.

Your annual salary ($)

Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$33,800/yr · $16.25/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$48,505/yr · $23.32/hr
Established professional working independently in Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$60,495/yr · $29.08/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$78,500+/yr · $37.74/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Virginia.
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Truck Driver Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

truck drivers pay in Virginia has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the truck driver workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's freight and logistics.

2021
$47,851
2022
$50,630
+5.8%
2023
$52,974
+4.6%
2024
$53,846
+1.6%
2026
$54,500
+1.2%

Truck Driver Salary by City — Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Virginia Beach$60,500$29.09+11.0%19,400
Norfolk$57,750$27.76+6.0%15,520
Chesapeake$56,150$27.00+3.0%9,977
Richmond$52,300$25.14-4.0%4,988
Arlington$49,600$23.85-9.0%3,325
Alexandria$47,400$22.79-13.0%2,217

Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest truck driver salaries in Virginia at $60,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Virginia — 5.75% state income tax$54,500 gross~$43,729 take-home
West Virginia — 6.5%$49,040 gross-10.0% vs VA
Maryland — 5.75%$57,180 gross+4.9% vs VA
North Carolina — 4.5%$49,580 gross-9.0% vs VA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Truck Driver Job Outlook in Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
55,430Currently employed
5,543+New jobs projected

Employment for truck drivers in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for truck drivers.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Virginia typically adds $44,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays truck drivers $60,500/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays truck drivers $49,040/yr — -10.0% vs Virginia.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Virginia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average truck driver salary in Virginia?
The average truck driver salary in Virginia is $54,500 per year, or $26.20 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $33,800 while experienced professionals earn $78,500 or more.
Where do truck drivers earn the most in Virginia?
Virginia Beach pays truck drivers the most in Virginia at an average of $60,500 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Virginia stack up nationally for truck driver pay?
Virginia truck driver salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,992. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
What is the take-home pay for a truck driver in Virginia?
A truck driver earning the Virginia average of $54,500 takes home approximately $43,729 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Should you become a truck driver in Virginia?
Yes. Truck Driver is a strong career choice in Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for truck drivers.
What's the licensing process for truck drivers in Virginia?
In Virginia, 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.