Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Light Truck Drivers in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $46,350. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,920, a common occurrence in nonmetropolitan regions where operational costs and demand dynamics can influence compensation structures. The specific economic landscape of Southwest Minnesota shapes the earning potential for this vital transportation role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,500.
- Outlook: The job market for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota appears stable, with a local workforce of 680 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area earns-3.3%below the national average.
$22.3
$891
$3,863
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Light Truck Drivers across nonmetropolitan areas like Southwest Minnesota have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical as the demand for logistics and transportation services continues to evolve.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Light Truck Drivers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,960 | $13.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,763 | $16.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,420 | $21.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,938 | $27.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,500 | $31 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $46,350 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Light Truck Driver's salary in this region is comparable to that of a driver in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
5.771
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area has 0.89x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.89 for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,550↓ 2% | 17 mi |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Light Truck Drivers Salary | $52,020↑ 12% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is $46,350. This typically ranges from $28,960 for entry-level positions to $64,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 3.3% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $46,350 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include St. Cloud, MN ($45,550) and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI.
How many Light Truck Drivers are there in Southwest Minnesota?
There are approximately 680 Light Truck Drivers employed in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area.
What is the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in this region compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient is 0.89, meaning the concentration of Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the salary of Light Truck Drivers in this area?
The cost of living is at the national average (100), so the nominal salary of $46,350 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there many job opportunities for Light Truck Drivers in Southwest Minnesota?
With 5.771 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient below 1.0, the job market is stable but not exceptionally dense, suggesting a steady but not overwhelming number of opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.771 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area