Truck Drivers Salary in Michigan (MI) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Michigan

The state automotive industry together with its manufacturing sector and cross-border trade with Canada creates competitive wages for truck drivers in Michigan. Detroit functions as a primary logistics center together with its automotive production facilities which create the main freight transportation routes that connect the Midwest to international destinations. Truck drivers in Michigan receive salaries that start at $50,000 for entry-level positions and reach $84,000 for experienced drivers while specialized drivers who work as owner-operators can earn up to $114,000 annually.

The trucking industry in Michigan operates on automotive supply chains together with steel transport and agricultural activities which use the main interstate highways that include I-75 and I-94 and I-96. Drivers who work in cross-border lanes and dedicated manufacturing routes usually receive salaries that reach the upper limits of their pay scale.

Truck drivers average salary in MI

Truck drivers in Michigan typically earn between $50,000 and $84,000 annual income, which depends on their work experience and the types of routes they drive and the types of freight they handle. Entry-level drivers start their careers by driving local routes and performing short-distance regional deliveries, while experienced CDL drivers receive advantages from their ability to transport manufacturing freight and drive cross-border distances.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical salary for truck drivers in Michigan:

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$4,200 – $4,600	$50,000 – $55,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$6,800 – $7,000	$81,000 – $84,000
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$7,000 – $8,000	$84,000 – $96,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$7,500 – $9,500	$90,000 – $114,000
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$7,200 – $9,500	$86,000 – $114,000

How Much Does a Class A CDL Driver Get Paid in Michigan?

The State of Michigan permits drivers with a Class A CDL to drive tractor-trailers on major interstate highways and international freight routes which connect to Canada. Class A CDL drivers in Michigan receive steady work opportunities and attractive wages because of the high demand from the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The average annual income for Class A CDL drivers in Michigan ranges from $84000 to $96000 while drivers who operate long-haul routes or specialize in automotive freight can earn higher salaries.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Michigan make annually? In general, salaries of Michigan big rig drivers usually range between $50,000 and $84,000, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $114,000.
Big rig drivers in Michigan usually have salaries at or above the national average due to strong automotive freight demand and cross-border trade activity.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $50,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $114,000 or more per year.
How much can a Class A CDL driver expect to bring in? Most typically the driver can bring in an income that ranges between $84,000 and $96,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

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