Truck Driver Salary in Texas 2026
The average truck driver salary in Texas is $1,868 per week as of 2026 – that's over $97,000 annually for qualified CDL drivers.
Texas Salary Snapshot
Texas Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Texas pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
$97,136
Average Salary
$1,868
Average Weekly Pay
$46.70
Average Hourly Pay
$250k+
Top Earners
Texas City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Texas City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Texas cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Houston
$97,136/yr
Dallas
$97,136/yr
San Antonio
$97,136/yr
Austin
$93,700/yr
Southlake
$90,700/yr
Fort Worth
$97,136/yr
Pay by Role
Texas Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Texas-specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$92,900/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$84,600/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$75,700/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$86,600/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$95,300/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$101,000/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Texas and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Average Salary Potential
Texas offers some of the highest truck driver salaries in the country. Drivers with specialized endorsements, consistent mileage, and strong safety records typically earn significantly more than the state average.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Texas, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Texas?
The average truck driver in Texas earns around $97,136 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,868 per week or ~$46.70 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Texas salaries are about 12% above the national average.
Which Texas city pays truck drivers the most?
Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth all offer salaries at or near the state average of $97,136 per year. Austin is slightly below at around $93,700, while Southlake comes in at about $90,700. The highest-paying companies in Texas include ROADRUNNER, Extra Mile International INC, and Nova Lines Inc.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Texas, specialized OTR routes can significantly boost earnings beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean-record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $97,136 Texas average. Top earners in Texas can make over $250,000 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Texas?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Texas companies like ROADRUNNER offer salaries well above $500,000 for experienced drivers with the right credentials.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Texas, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $97,136, with top earners reaching over $250,000 annually.
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