Truck Driver salary in San Jose, CA
Median pay, San Jose / Silicon Valley metro
$70,730/year
about $34.00 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,880 – $80,120
Half of truck drivers in the San Jose / Silicon Valley metro area earn more than $70,730 a year and half earn less. That's 21% higher than the national median of $58,640, and ranks #2 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,280 | $23.21 |
| 25th | $57,880 | $27.83 |
| Median (50th) | $70,730 | $34.00 |
| 75th | $80,120 | $38.52 |
| 90th (top earners) | $94,620 | $45.49 |
*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 Jose / Silicon Valley metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,880 ($27.83/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,880 to $80,120 ($27.83 to $38.52/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $80,120 ($38.52/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 Jose / Silicon Valley 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.