2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study: How Much Are Truck Drivers Earning?

A recent study by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) analyzed data from more than 130 fleets, representing a total of 140,000 employed drivers and 9,000 independent contractors, with the goal of assessing the current state of truck driver compensation. The “2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study” began with official surveys in January 2026 and has now published its findings.

The survey results showed that, despite what was experienced as a recession in the trucking industry in 2025, driver wages continued to grow. Bob Costello, ATA’s chief economist, stated in a release on October 7: “Driver pay continued to increase even as trucking companies faced one of the longest and most difficult freight downturns in recent memory.”

According to a Transport Topics report based on information obtained from the ATA, most of the trucking companies surveyed indicated that they plan to increase driver pay this year, suggesting that competition for qualified drivers could intensify as freight market conditions improve.

2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study: Regional Compensation in the Trucking Industry

For the study, the ATA analyzed seven regions across the United States and found that dry van truckload drivers in the Northeast reported a high median annual regional compensation of more than $78,000, excluding benefits. Meanwhile, less-than-truckload (LTL) linehaul drivers earned a median of $85,000, compared with $72,942 for local LTL drivers.

According to the study, the median pay for drivers working on regular routes increased 4.2% compared with 2023 levels. Meanwhile, truckload drivers operating on irregular routes, who generally earn less than drivers on regular routes, experienced an 8.3% increase in median pay during 2025.

Lease-contract drivers reached median annual compensation of more than $170,000, while private-fleet contractors exceeded $200,000. Likewise, the median compensation for dry van truckload drivers working regular routes for private fleets surpassed $75,000.

The study also examined detention time and found that 74% of contracted truckload carriers compensated their drivers for extended waits at loading and unloading facilities.

Pay Structures and Compensation Levels

The 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study serves as a benchmarking tool that allows fleets to compare the pay conditions they offer with those of their competitors. The report provides detailed information on pay structures and compensation levels, including rates for different levels of experience and average annual earnings for various driver profiles and types of routes.

In addition, the study provides a comprehensive overview of health benefit programs, including information on medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered by both employees and employers. It also analyzes other employee benefits and their value, such as retirement plans, life insurance, paid holidays, and paid leave.

The full report can be found on the official ATA website by accessing the link provided here.