Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary in New Jersey 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver in New Jersey is $59,752 (mean $65,373). After federal, New Jersey state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $46,606/year ($3,884/month).

Median Annual

$59,752

in New Jersey

Mean Annual

$65,373

vs. $59,430 national

Take-Home / yr

$46,606

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

22.0%

federal + state + FICA

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New Jersey vs. national heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver wages

MetricNew JerseyNationalDifference
Median annual wage$59,752$54,320+10%
Mean annual wage$65,373$59,430+10%
Take-home (single filer)$46,606after all 2026 taxes

New Jersey median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.

Take-home breakdown for $59,752 in New Jersey

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$4,990
New Jersey state income tax
−$3,585
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$4,571
Total taxes
−$13,146

Your paycheck

Annual net
$46,606
Monthly net
$3,884
Bi-weekly net
$1,793
Hourly equivalent
$22.41/hr

Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.

About this occupation

Drives a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds to transport and deliver goods over long distances.

Outlook (2023-2033)

+4% (2023-2033, about average)

Typical Education

High school diploma + CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

BLS SOC Code

53-3032

Frequently asked questions

How much does a truck driver make in in New Jersey in 2026?

The national median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $54,320 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay runs roughly $43,000-$46,000 depending on state. Owner-operators and long-haul OTR drivers can earn $80K-$100K+.

Which states pay truck drivers the most?

Alaska ($70K median), New York ($65K), Massachusetts ($62K), Washington ($62K), and Illinois ($60K) lead the country. High pay tracks to remote routes, port cities, and high cost-of-living areas.

Is truck driving a good career in 2026?

Stable demand. BLS projects 4% growth through 2033 (about average), with persistent driver shortages supporting wages. The biggest disruption is autonomous trucking, which is still years away from broad adoption.

What is the take-home pay on a $59,752 heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver salary in New Jersey?

On a $59,752 heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver salary in New Jersey, take-home pay is approximately $46,606/year ($3,884/month, $1,793/bi-weekly). That accounts for $4,990 in federal income tax, 3,585 in New Jersey state income tax, and $4,571 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 22.0%.

Highest-paying states for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

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