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
$68,428
CDL-B Avg
$59,236
Non-CDL Avg
$55,401
Owner-Op Gross
$289,100
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
$68,428
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$72,029
After adjusting for Houston's cost of living index of 95, a CDL-A salary of $68,428 provides the same purchasing power as $72,029 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 | $68,428 | $57,990 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$10,438 | ||
| vs National | +$9,718 | ||
| Cost of Living | 95 | 92 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $72,029 | $63,033 | $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 high turnover across the Texas market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Houston?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Houston — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
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 $68,428 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 $289,100 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $109,858 to $138,768. 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.