Truck Driver salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$56,840/year
about $27.33 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $46,830 – $64,410
Half of truck drivers in the Houston metro area earn more than $56,840 a year and half earn less. That's 3% lower than the national median of $58,640, and ranks #25 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,320 | $18.42 |
| 25th | $46,830 | $22.51 |
| Median (50th) | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| 75th | $64,410 | $30.97 |
| 90th (top earners) | $79,490 | $38.22 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a truck driver job in the Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $46,830 ($22.51/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $46,830 to $64,410 ($22.51 to $30.97/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $64,410 ($30.97/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many drivers are paid per mile, so ask about typical weekly miles, not just the rate per mile.
- Ask how much home time you'll get and whether detention and layover time is paid.
- Lease-purchase offers can shift costs to the driver. Read the details carefully.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Houston metro. Occupation: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.