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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an impressive average annual salary of $64,790. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $58,380, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive this compensation. The economic landscape of Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO, therefore, presents a favorable financial environment for these essential professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $64,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,560.
  • Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 15,420 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. While the Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer volume of jobs, represented by 9.531 jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a consistent and significant demand for these roles within the local economy. This indicates a stable job market with ongoing opportunities for skilled drivers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$64,790

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+11.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.2

Weekly

$1,246

Monthly

$5,399

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Career progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as drivers accumulate years of service, gain specialized certifications, and demonstrate reliability, their earning potential escalates considerably. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on experience, skill, and the responsibility associated with long-haul and specialized trucking operations.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,870$22.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$48,593$23.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$62,880$30.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$80,988$38.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$81,560$39.2

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$64,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$64,790

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $64,790 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers here offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, relocating to this area for this profession does not present an immediate challenge in terms of maintaining one's standard of living relative to national benchmarks.

Job Market Context

15,420

Total Jobs

9.531

Per 1K Jobs

0.71

Location Quotient

Below Average

Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.71x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.71, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market has a slightly lower concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions. This could translate to a more competitive environment for drivers seeking employment, but also potentially better opportunities for those with specialized skills or a strong work ethic, as employers may actively seek qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $64,790. This typically ranges from $46,870 for entry-level positions to $81,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 11.0% higher than the national median of $58,380.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO offers a lucrative environment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.The average salary of $64,790 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is at the national benchmark, providing strong purchasing power for drivers.

Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($63,180) and Greeley, CO.

How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO salary compare to the national average?

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earn an average of $64,790 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $58,380.

What is the concentration of truck drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO compared to the nation?

The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that the concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is slightly below the national average, suggesting a less saturated but still significant presence.

Does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO affect the value of the truck driver salary?

No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary of $64,790 provides equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.

How many truck drivers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area?

There are approximately 15,420 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,420 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 9.531 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.