Truck Driver salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$59,780/year
about $28.74 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,370 – $69,650
Half of truck drivers in the San Diego metro area earn more than $59,780 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $58,640, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,880 | $19.65 |
| 25th | $48,370 | $23.25 |
| Median (50th) | $59,780 | $28.74 |
| 75th | $69,650 | $33.49 |
| 90th (top earners) | $78,250 | $37.62 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,370 ($23.25/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,370 to $69,650 ($23.25 to $33.49/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $69,650 ($33.49/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, San Diego 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.