Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,690. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $58,380, reflecting the region's robust economic activity and demand for skilled logistics professionals. The higher compensation is often a response to the specialized nature of the work and the operational demands within this dynamic metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,650.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region supports a substantial workforce of 21,220 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. While the Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer size of the local workforce suggests consistent demand and a healthy job market for these essential roles. The presence of 10.19 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the ongoing need for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+21.1%above the national average.
$34
$1,359
$5,891
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing operational costs, evolving industry standards, and sustained demand for freight transportation services, leading to upward pressure on compensation.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized endorsements (like hazardous materials or doubles/triples), and a proven safety record can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify career advancement opportunities, with senior drivers occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $52,290 | $25.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $53,018 | $25.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $69,290 | $33.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $88,363 | $42.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $92,650 | $44.5 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,690 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by truck drivers in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, making the compensation competitive in real terms.
Job Market Context
21,220
Total Jobs
10.19
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.76x 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 0.76, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has a slightly lower concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals. The market is competitive, but the substantial workforce size indicates ample opportunities for qualified drivers to find employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $70,690. This typically ranges from $52,290 for entry-level positions to $92,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 21.1% higher than the national median of $58,380.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.The average salary of $70,690 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong real earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($65,650) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is $70,690, which is considerably higher than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA for truck drivers?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average.
How many Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are there in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area has a total local workforce of 21,220 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Is the job market for truck drivers saturated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests a slightly lower concentration of truck drivers compared to the national average, indicating a healthy, competitive job market rather than saturation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 21,220 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 10.19 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Management Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA