Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Grand Junction, CO
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Grand Junction, Colorado, can expect an average annual salary of $56,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local transportation industry. While the nominal pay may be a touch lower, understanding the local economic landscape is key to evaluating this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,060 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Grand Junction demonstrates a notable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for skilled drivers within the region. This concentration points to a robust job market that is at least as active as, if not more so than, the national landscape for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Grand Junction, CO earns-3.2%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,087
$4,709
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Grand Junction is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the area have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased shipping demands, rising operational costs for trucking companies, and a persistent need for qualified drivers likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Grand Junction, CO
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized endorsements (like hazardous materials or doubles/triples), and a clean driving record command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased skill and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,520 | $20 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,383 | $20.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,220 | $26.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,638 | $34 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,270 | $35.7 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,510 in Grand Junction aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Grand Junction is comparable to that of a driver in a typical U.S. city. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a standard of living that is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
15.775
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Grand Junction, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.17 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Grand Junction signifies a localized concentration of this profession that is 17% higher than the national average. This suggests that the job market here is relatively robust and potentially more competitive for employers seeking drivers, or conversely, offers more opportunities for drivers compared to the national average distribution of jobs.
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 Grand Junction, CO?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Grand Junction, CO is $56,510. This typically ranges from $41,520 for entry-level positions to $74,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Junction, CO is 3.2% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Grand Junction, CO a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living also matches the national average, meaning your earnings have comparable purchasing power. The higher-than-average concentration of these jobs suggests strong local demand.
Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Grand Junction's truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Grand Junction is $56,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Grand Junction, CO?
Grand Junction's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for truck drivers in Grand Junction?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a higher concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver jobs in Grand Junction compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How many truck drivers are employed in Grand Junction?
There are approximately 1,060 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Grand Junction, CO area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Grand Junction, CO area with a job density of 15.775 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Junction, CO