Texas is one of the best states in the country for truck drivers. It has the largest highway network in the US, massive freight demand from oil and gas, agriculture, and international trade, and zero state income tax — meaning your paycheck goes further here than in most other states. Here's exactly what CDL drivers earn in Texas in 2026.
Average truck driver salary in Texas: $58,400/year. No state income tax. Over 200,000 CDL jobs available statewide. Major freight hubs in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Texas (2026)
According to 2026 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, the average CDL truck driver in Texas earns:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Per Hour | Per Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Driver (0–1 yr) | $45,000–$53,000 | $21–$25 | $865–$1,019 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $53,000–$64,000 | $25–$31 | $1,019–$1,231 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $64,000–$80,000 | $31–$38 | $1,231–$1,538 |
| Owner Operator (gross) | $120,000–$180,000 | — | — |
Want to calculate your exact estimated salary based on driving type and endorsements? Use our free Texas salary calculator to get a personalized number.
Truck Driver Salary by Driving Type in Texas
| Driving Type | Avg Annual Salary | Home Time |
|---|---|---|
| OTR (Long Haul) | $62,000–$80,000 | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Regional | $55,000–$68,000 | Weekends home |
| Local / City | $48,000–$62,000 | Home nightly |
| Hazmat | $68,000–$95,000 | Varies |
| Tanker | $65,000–$90,000 | Varies |
Truck Driver Salary by City in Texas
Pay varies significantly across Texas depending on freight demand and cost of living:
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $61,000–$75,000 | Port of Houston, oil and gas — highest demand in the state |
| Dallas / Fort Worth | $58,000–$72,000 | Major distribution hub, Amazon and retail freight |
| San Antonio | $55,000–$68,000 | Military freight, growing logistics sector |
| El Paso | $54,000–$66,000 | Border crossing freight, international trade |
| Austin | $56,000–$70,000 | Tech sector growth driving freight demand |
| Laredo | $55,000–$72,000 | Busiest inland port in the US — high demand for border drivers |
Why Texas Is One of the Best States for CDL Drivers
Several factors make Texas stand out as a top state for truck drivers:
- No state income tax — A driver earning $65,000 in Texas takes home approximately $5,000–$6,000 more per year than the same driver in California or New York after state taxes.
- Massive freight volume — Texas moves more freight than any other state. Oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, and international border trade all create constant demand for CDL drivers.
- Low cost of living — Outside of Austin, Texas has a low cost of living relative to pay. Your salary goes further here than in high-pay coastal states.
- Job availability — Texas consistently ranks in the top 3 states for total CDL job openings. Finding work here is rarely a problem.
- Growing market — Texas added more people than any other state over the past decade. More people means more freight, which means more driver demand.
Top Trucking Companies Hiring in Texas
- Werner Enterprises — Major regional and OTR presence, hiring new drivers with paid training
- Swift Transportation — Large OTR fleet with Texas routes, company-paid CDL training
- J.B. Hunt — Dedicated and intermodal routes throughout Texas, good home time
- Schneider National — Regional and OTR, strong presence in DFW and Houston
- Halliburton / Schlumberger — Oil field trucking in West Texas and the Permian Basin, among the highest-paying CDL jobs in the state
- H-E-B — The Texas grocery chain runs one of the most respected private fleets in the state. Local routes, excellent pay and benefits.
How to Maximize Your Salary as a Texas Truck Driver
The drivers earning $75,000+ in Texas share a few common strategies:
- Get your Hazmat endorsement — Oil and gas freight in Texas pays significantly more than standard dry van. Hazmat + Tanker (the X endorsement) is the most valuable combination in the Texas market.
- Target the Permian Basin — West Texas oil field driving is physically demanding and keeps you away from home but it's among the highest-paying CDL work in the country at $80,000–$110,000 annually.
- Run border freight through Laredo — International trade routes pay premium rates due to complexity and demand.
- Build experience then go dedicated — After 1–2 years of OTR experience, dedicated accounts with major shippers in Texas (Amazon, Walmart, HEB) offer excellent pay with better home time.
See how Texas truck driver pay stacks up against all 50 states on our complete state salary comparison table. Texas ranks in the top 20 nationally — but the no-income-tax advantage makes it effectively higher than most states above it on the list.
CDL Requirements in Texas
To drive commercially in Texas you need a Texas CDL issued by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). Key requirements:
- Must be 18+ for intrastate (within Texas) driving
- Must be 21+ for interstate (crossing state lines) driving
- Valid Texas driver's license
- DOT medical certificate
- Pass written and skills tests
- CDL license fee: approximately $97 plus $16 CLP fee
For a complete walkthrough of getting your CDL, see our step-by-step CDL guide. If cost is a barrier, read our guide on companies that pay for your CDL training — many major Texas carriers offer this.
Bottom Line
Texas truck drivers earn a solid $58,400 on average in 2026 — and with no state income tax, that money goes further than in most competing states. The freight market is enormous, jobs are plentiful, and specialized work in oil and gas can push your income well above $80,000. If you're considering a CDL career or looking to relocate for better trucking pay, Texas is consistently one of the top states to consider.
Calculate Your Texas Salary
Use our free calculator to see your estimated pay based on experience, driving type, and endorsements.
Open Salary Calculator →