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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Fresno, CA

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno, CA earn an average annual salary of $53,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that while demand exists, local economic factors and potentially a different mix of freight types may influence compensation compared to other regions. The specific needs of the agricultural and logistics sectors in the Central Valley likely shape the pay scale for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,160.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,410 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Fresno demonstrates a significant concentration of this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.33 indicates that this role is more prevalent in Fresno than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market for these drivers. The high number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the demand for skilled truck drivers within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,570

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno, CA earns-8.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.8

Weekly

$1,030

Monthly

$4,464

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Fresno, CA

Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with clean driving records, specialized endorsements (e.g., hazardous materials, doubles/triples), and extensive route knowledge command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available through dedicated service and skill development.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,530$17.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,178$19.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$51,350$24.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,963$32.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$74,160$35.7

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,570 in Fresno aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Fresno is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is below the national average for the profession, the neutral cost of living suggests that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses at a standard rate, making it a stable financial environment.

Job Market Context

8,410

Total Jobs

17.883

Per 1K Jobs

1.33

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.33, Fresno, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.33 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno signifies a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for truck drivers in Fresno is higher than in many other parts of the country, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring. While not an extreme concentration, it indicates a market where these skills are valued and actively sought after.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Fresno, CA?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno, CA is $53,570. This typically ranges from $35,530 for entry-level positions to $74,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Fresno, CA is 8.2% lower than the national median of $58,380.

Is Fresno, CA a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $53,570 is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.33) and a neutral cost of living (100) create a stable earning environment with good opportunities.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Fresno, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($56,720) and Visalia, CA.

How does the Fresno truck driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno, CA is $53,570, which is approximately $4,810 less than the national average of $58,380.

What is the job concentration for truck drivers in Fresno?

Fresno has a Location Quotient of 1.33 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, indicating that the profession is 33% more concentrated in this area compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the truck driver salary in Fresno?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Fresno's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $53,570 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fresno?

There are approximately 8,410 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Fresno, CA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,410 employees in the Fresno, CA area with a job density of 17.883 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.