RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in San Jose, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Jose metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$65,540
Mean annual$69,560
Range (10th to 90th)$47,060 to $94,990
San Jose, California employment4,980
State vs national+16.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Jose heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$47,06025TH$56,880MEDIAN$65,54075TH$78,97090TH$94,990

The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,880 and $78,970, with a median of $65,540.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Short-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Far Vision

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Transportation

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Control Precision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Spatial Orientation

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Response Orientation

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Rate Control

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Multilimb Coordination

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.

  2. 02

    Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.

  3. 03

    Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.

  4. 04

    Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.

  5. 05

    Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

  6. 06

    Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.

  7. 07

    Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.

  8. 08

    Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.

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Other metros in California

How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in San Jose, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $65,540.
Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The San Jose metro median is +9.3% versus the California state median of $59,950.
How does San Jose compare to the national median for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The San Jose metro median is +16.5% versus the BLS national figure of $56,248.
What is the salary range for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in San Jose?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,060 and the 90th-percentile at $94,990 for the San Jose metro area.
What education is required for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.