Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island 2026
The average truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $1,703 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $88,600 annually (or about $42.58 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Rhode Island, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Salary Snapshot
Rhode Island Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Rhode Island pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $39.9k – $196.5k annually
$88,600
Average Annual Salary
$1,703
Average Weekly Pay
$42.58
Average Hourly Pay
$196.5k
Top Earners (High Range)
Rhode Island Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island Cities
Pay varies across the Ocean State. Compare average earnings in Rhode Island's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends, port and logistics hauling around Providence, distribution along the I-95 corridor, and freight movement through Route 146 and the Northeast's major supply chains.
Providence
$96,500/yr
Warwick
$93,200/yr
Pawtucket
$91,800/yr
Cranston
$88,600/yr
East Providence
$87,200/yr
Woonsocket
$84,100/yr
Pay by Role
Rhode Island Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Rhode Island‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle – from port and I-95 corridor logistics to retail distribution and manufacturing freight across the Northeast.
OTR Driver
$94,700/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in the Northeast.
View JobsRegional Driver
$89,400/yr avg
Multi-state routes within the Northeast, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$80,700/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night serving RI communities.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$93,200/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$97,400/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill – critical for RI's industrial, port, and construction sectors.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$109,100/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists – essential for regional industrial and chemical supply chains in the Northeast.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Rhode Island and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Steady Earnings in Rhode Island
Rhode Island truck drivers earn an average of $1,703 per week ($88,600/year), which is matching the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range up to $196,500 annually. These figures are based on 654 real Indeed salaries.
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 Rhode Island, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Rhode Island?
The average truck driver in Rhode Island earns around $88,600 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,703 per week or ~$42.58 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Rhode Island salaries are matching the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $196,500 annually.
Which Rhode Island city pays truck drivers the most?
Providence ($96,500/year) leads the state as the heart of port and I-95 corridor logistics, followed by Warwick ($93,200) — a key hub near T.F. Green Airport and regional distribution — and Pawtucket ($91,800), a strong industrial corridor. Cranston ($88,600) aligns closely with the state average, while East Providence ($87,200) and Woonsocket ($84,100) trend slightly below. The highest‑paying companies in Rhode Island specialize in dedicated OTR routes, port‑related hauling, flatbed freight serving industrial and construction sectors, and hazmat transport — especially around the Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket areas and along the I‑95, I‑195, and Route 146 freight corridors.
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 Rhode Island, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Port of Providence, Warwick distribution hubs, and Pawtucket industrial centers to broader Northeast markets and beyond — can significantly boost earnings well 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 $88,600 Rhode Island average. Top earners in Rhode Island can make up to $196,500 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Providence port corridors, Warwick distribution hubs, and Pawtucket industrial centers along I‑95, I‑195, and Route 146 that link the Ocean State to major Northeast markets. Rhode Island's growing port logistics industry, manufacturing freight sector, and expanding regional distribution networks create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, with ample opportunities for port hauling, retail distribution, and industrial delivery.
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 Rhode Island, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $88,600, with top earners reaching up to $196,500 annually — especially those servicing the state's growing port, manufacturing, and industrial logistics sectors in hubs like Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket, plus the expanding distribution networks along the I‑95, I‑195, and Route 146 corridors that connect Rhode Island to the greater Northeast markets.
Ready to Roll?
Let's Make It Happen.
Whether you're a driver ready for a better opportunity, or a carrier that needs qualified CDL talent — Remms is ready when you are.