Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver in Rhode Island is $51,604 (mean $56,459). After federal, Rhode Island state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $41,322/year ($3,443/month).

Median Annual

$51,604

in Rhode Island

Mean Annual

$56,459

vs. $59,430 national

Take-Home / yr

$41,322

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

19.9%

federal + state + FICA

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Rhode Island vs. national heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver wages

MetricRhode IslandNationalDifference
Median annual wage$51,604$54,320-5%
Mean annual wage$56,459$59,430-5%
Take-home (single filer)$41,322after all 2026 taxes

Rhode Island median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.

Take-home breakdown for $51,604 in Rhode Island

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$4,012
Rhode Island state income tax
−$2,322
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$3,948
Total taxes
−$10,282

Your paycheck

Annual net
$41,322
Monthly net
$3,443
Bi-weekly net
$1,589
Hourly equivalent
$19.87/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 Rhode Island 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 $51,604 heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver salary in Rhode Island?

On a $51,604 heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver salary in Rhode Island, take-home pay is approximately $41,322/year ($3,443/month, $1,589/bi-weekly). That accounts for $4,012 in federal income tax, 2,322 in Rhode Island state income tax, and $3,948 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 19.9%.

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

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