Truck Driver Salary in Houston
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Houston, Texas. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$73,706
CDL-B Avg
$57,491
Non-CDL Avg
$42,749
Owner-Op Gross
$213,747
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Houston truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Houston
Houston's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$73,706
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$77,585
After adjusting for Houston's cost of living index of 95, a CDL-A salary of $73,706 provides the same purchasing power as $77,585 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Houston than the raw salary suggests.
Houston vs Texas vs National Average
| Metric | Houston | TX Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $73,706 | $62,400 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$11,306 | ||
| vs National | +$14,996 | ||
| Cost of Living | 95 | 92 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $77,585 | $67,826 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Houston
Truck driver wages in Houston are trending upward, driven by growth in petrochemical and oil & gas equipment. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Texas market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Houston
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Houston area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1FedEx Freight | $80,320 |
| 2XPO Logistics | $76,777 |
| 3Southeastern Freight Lines | $74,414 |
| 4Werner Enterprises | $73,233 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Houston
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Houston market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Houston
Browse CDL driver positions in Houston, TX from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Houston
What is the average truck driver salary in Houston, TX?
CDL-A truck drivers in Houston, Texas earn an average of $73,706 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Houston market is influenced by petrochemical and oil & gas equipment freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Houston?
Owner-operators based in Houston gross approximately $213,747 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $81,224 to $102,599. The Houston area's cost of living index of 95 is near the national average.
Is Houston a good city for trucking jobs?
Houston offers strong trucking employment thanks to its petrochemical and oil & gas equipment sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.