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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Dover, DE

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE earn an average annual salary of $53,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. Factors such as the specific trucking industry presence and the overall economic landscape of Delaware contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 890 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Dover, DE presents a stable employment environment for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these drivers is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for their services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,680

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE earns-8.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.8

Weekly

$1,032

Monthly

$4,473

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Dover, DE

Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized endorsements can secure substantially higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as drivers gain expertise and reliability.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,030$19.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,260$19.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$52,460$25.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,100$32.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$67,590$32.5

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,680 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a driver's salary in Dover is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial standing relative to the cost of essential goods and services.

Job Market Context

890

Total Jobs

13.031

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Dover, DE has 0.97x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.97 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE signifies a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there isn't an overwhelming surplus or scarcity of drivers, indicating a moderately competitive but stable employment landscape for qualified individuals.

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 Dover, DE?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE is $53,680. This typically ranges from $40,030 for entry-level positions to $67,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 8.1% lower than the national median of $58,380.

Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

Moderately so.The average salary of $53,680 is slightly below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power.

Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($54,890) and Vineland, NJ.

How does the Dover, DE salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE is $53,680, which is approximately $4,700 less than the national average of $58,380.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Dover, DE?

A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Dover, DE is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and typical level of employment for this role.

Does experience impact a truck driver's salary in Dover, DE?

Yes, experience is a key factor. Entry-level drivers typically earn less, while those with significant experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting increased value and reliability.

Is the cost of living in Dover, DE high for truck drivers?

No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $53,680 salary in Dover has the same purchasing power as the national average salary across the country.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 13.031 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.