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Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Merced, CA

Light Truck Drivers in Merced, California, earn an average annual salary of $50,020, slightly exceeding the national average of $47,920. This localized pay rate reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Merced region, influencing compensation for essential logistics roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,150.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 Light Truck Drivers and a Location Quotient of 0.84, Merced presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The presence of 5.415 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates consistent, ongoing demand for skilled drivers within the area's logistical network.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,020

The average Light Truck Drivers in Merced, CA earns+4.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.1

Weekly

$962

Monthly

$4,168

Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Merced, CA

Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers in Merced typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior drivers with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting their increased value and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,140$16.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,515$18
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$41,960$20.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,525$30.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$93,150$44.8

Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,020 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living adjustments.

Job Market Context

430

Total Jobs

5.415

Per 1K Jobs

0.84

Location Quotient

Below Average

Merced, CA has 0.84x 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 0.84 suggests that Light Truck Driver roles are slightly less concentrated in Merced compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers

CitySalaryDist.
Modesto, CA Light Truck Drivers Salary$47,190↓ 6%37 mi
Fresno, CA Light Truck Drivers Salary$46,630↓ 7%52 mi
Stockton-Lodi, CA Light Truck Drivers Salary$50,450↑ 1%65 mi
Salinas, CA Light Truck Drivers Salary$50,780↑ 2%77 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Light Truck Drivers Salary$54,670↑ 9%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Merced, CA

Hiring Light Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Merced, CA?

The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Merced, CA is $50,020. This typically ranges from $35,140 for entry-level positions to $93,150 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 4.4% higher than the national median of $47,920.

Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Light Truck Drivers in Merced earn $50,020 annually, which is above the national average. The cost of living is also on par with the national average, making the salary quite competitive.

Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($47,190) and Fresno, CA.

How does Merced's Light Truck Driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Light Truck Drivers in Merced, CA is $50,020, which is higher than the national average of $47,920.

What is the cost of living in Merced, CA for Light Truck Drivers?

Merced, CA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a salary in Merced is equivalent to the national average.

How concentrated is the Light Truck Driver job market in Merced?

The Location Quotient for Light Truck Drivers in Merced is 0.84, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive market.

What is the total number of Light Truck Drivers in Merced?

There are approximately 430 Light Truck Drivers employed in Merced, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 5.415 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA