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Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Light Truck Drivers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earn an average annual salary of $38,140, which is notably below the national average of $47,920. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, local demand for logistics services, and the specific industry mix within the area. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,140 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,450.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 400 Light Truck Drivers, the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA market indicates a stable, albeit not expansive, employment base. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate level of demand that aligns with the size of the local workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,140

The average Light Truck Drivers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-20.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.3

Weekly

$733

Monthly

$3,178

Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Career progression for Light Truck Drivers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as drivers gain expertise and take on more complex or demanding roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$25,720$12.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$28,605$13.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$35,790$17.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$47,675$22.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$49,450$23.8

Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,140

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,140

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,140 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by the stable cost of living.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

5.383

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 0.83x the national average concentration of Light 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 0.83 for Light Truck Drivers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, indicates that this profession is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a consistent need for these services, the market is not saturated, and there may be opportunities for skilled drivers, though the overall demand is moderate relative to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers

Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Hiring Light Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $38,140. This typically ranges from $25,720 for entry-level positions to $49,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 20.4% lower than the national median of $47,920.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?

No, it is not considered particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,140 is significantly lower than the national average of $47,920. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the purchasing power is similar.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?

The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($39,660) and Beckley, WV.

How does the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Light Truck Drivers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $38,140, which is approximately 20% lower than the national average of $47,920.

What is the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in this area?

The Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Light Truck Drivers are slightly less concentrated in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?

Yes, the cost of living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100, which is the national average. This means the $38,140 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.

How many Light Truck Drivers are employed in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

There are approximately 400 Light Truck Drivers employed in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area, representing 5.383 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 5.383 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.