A truck driver’s salary in Canada ranges from around $35,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $75,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $50,000 per annum.
Salaries are based on a working week of around 45-50 hours per week; however, many drivers will boost their salaries with additional hours.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Canada By Province 2023?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Truck Driver's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 73300) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 16.50 | 24.00 | 33.72 |
| Alberta | 18.12 | 28.00 | 37.45 |
| British Columbia | 19.00 | 27.00 | 38.00 |
| Manitoba | 15.00 | 22.00 | 31.00 |
| New Brunswick | 15.00 | 19.88 | 26.25 |
| Newfoundland | 15.00 | 22.00 | 34.38 |
| Northwest Territories | 25.00 | 30.00 | 35.00 |
| Nova Scotia | 14.17 | 20.50 | 28.85 |
| Nunavut | 22.85 | 28.00 | 36.00 |
| Ontario | 17.00 | 24.00 | 32.24 |
| Prince Edward Island | 15.00 | 19.55 | 28.50 |
| Quebec | 16.00 | 22.08 | 30.00 |
| Saskatchewan | 16.00 | 25.00 | 32.50 |
| Yukon Territory | 25.00 | 30.90 | 35.00 |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Although wages rates are quoted as hourly rates, the reality is that many truck drivers (especially long-haul drivers) get paid by the km.
In addition, some trucks are owner-operated and essentially run as businesses. As a result, owner-operator truck driver salaries are significantly higher, but drivers are responsible for the costs of buying and operating their trucks.
There are also opportunities for increasing your income with many companies offering bonuses such as for:
- Good safety record
- Cross-border kilometres (i.e. in the US)
- HAZMAT qualifications
Which Province Has The Highest Truck Driver’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range truck drivers’ salary in Canada is in Yukon, followed by the Northwest Territories. Here salaries are almost 30% more than the national average.
Outside of the territories, the best-paid truckers can be found in Alberta. Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest truck driver’s salary in Canada is found in the Maritime provinces and Quebec. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries here should be viewed in this context.
What Is An Owner Operator Truck Driver’s Salary In Canada?
Salaries of owner-operator truck drivers in Canada are generally higher than those of employed drivers. An average salary of a self-employed truck driver (after expenses) is around $75,000 per annum, although this does vary according to province.
Salaries of owner-operator truck drivers can also vary considerably depending on the number of hours worked, and many get paid by the kilometre.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the prospects for truck drivers in Canada range from “moderate” to “very good,” depending on the province. The best prospects are in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, although there are shortages of drivers throughout much of the country.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for truck drivers as 161,700, compared to 144,400 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A truck driver’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a truck driver’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Truck Driver In Canada?
The current NOC code for truck drivers in Canada is 73300 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 7511). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Bulk goods truck driver
- Dump truck driver
- Flatbed truck driver
- Heavy truck driver
- Logging truck driver
- Long haul truck driver
- Moving van driver
- Shunt truck driver
- Tow truck driver
- Tractor-trailer truck driver
- Transport driver
- Truck driver
Note that this NOC doesn’t cover truck driver supervisors; the NOC code for this occupation is 72024.
Can Immigrant Truck Drivers Work In Canada?
You will almost certainly need to pass a written and practical test to obtain a license. This should be done in whichever province you settle. If applicable, you may also require certification in other areas, such as operating air brakes and transporting hazardous materials.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
Due to driver shortages, you may also be eligible to apply for one of the provincial immigration programs. A good starting point to look into the option is the government’s Immigration and Citizenship website.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Ontario?
A truck driver’s salary in Ontario ranges from $35,700 to $67,704 per annum. The mid-range salary in Ontario is $50,400, which is on par with the mid-range salary for truck drivers across Canada.
Truck drivers’ salaries in Ontario are very consistent across the province. This includes Toronto, where truck drivers’ salaries are marginally higher than provincial averages.
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What Is A Truck Driver’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a truck driver in Ontario is $35,700 per year. This is slightly higher than the average starting salaries for truck drivers across Canada.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range truck driver’s salary in Toronto is $51,156. It’s worth noting that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. Therefore, while the salary may seem competitive, you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of the city.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range truck driver’s salary in Ottawa is $50,400. Given that property costs in Ottawa are generally lower than in Toronto, your salary might go further here than in Toronto, allowing for a potentially higher standard of living.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In Ontario?
The demand for truck drivers in Ontario is strong, with prospects rated as “good” in government forecasts. The volume of goods requiring transportation is expected to be relatively steady, so the demand for drivers will continue for the foreseeable future.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Quebec?
A truck driver’s salary in Quebec ranges from $33,600 to $63,000 annually. The mid-range salary is around $46,368, slightly lower than national averages.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Starting Salary In Quebec?
A truck driver’s starting salary in Quebec is around $33,600 per annum. This is in line with the starting salary for truck drivers across Canada, which is $34,650.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Montreal?
A mid-range truck driver’s salary in Montreal is approximately $42,000, slightly lower than provincial averages.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Montreal, especially regarding property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half what you’d find in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, allowing for a higher standard of living.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Quebec City?
A truck driver’s salary in Quebec City, focusing on the mid-range, is around $48,174. This is slightly higher than the provincial average and also higher than salaries in Montreal.
Like Montreal, the cost of living in Quebec City, particularly in terms of property prices, is lower than in many other Canadian cities. Real estate costs are around half those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, suggesting that you’re likely to enjoy a higher standard of living in Quebec City.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In Quebec?
Yes, truck drivers are in demand in Quebec. The job prospects here are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for truck drivers is pretty balanced with slow growth due to factors such as an increase in online shopping.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Alberta?
A truck driver’s salary in Alberta ranges from $38,052 to $78,645 per annum. The mid-range salary in Alberta is $58,800, significantly higher than average salaries for truck drivers across Canada.
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What Is A Truck Driver’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a truck driver in Alberta is $38,052 per year. This is considerably higher than the starting salary for truck drivers across Canada, which is $34,650.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range truck driver’s salary in Calgary is $56,721, higher than national averages. Also, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, so you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Edmonton?
A truck driver’s salary in Edmonton is $57,204 at the mid-range. Edmonton has a lower cost of living, especially regarding property prices, which could mean your salary goes further and a higher standard of living.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, truck drivers are in demand in Alberta. The job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. Turnover of drivers is high in this sector driving a constant demand for new recruits.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In BC?
A truck driver’s salary in BC ranges from $39,900 to $79,800 per annum. The mid-range salary in BC is $56,700, which is higher than the mid-range salary for truck drivers across Canada.
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What Is A Truck Driver’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a truck driver in BC is $39,900 per year. This is higher than the starting salary for truck drivers across Canada, which is $34,650.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range truck driver’s salary in Vancouver is $56,700. However, remember that Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. You might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living outside of the city.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Victoria?
A truck driver’s salary in Victoria is $55,566 at the mid-range. Note that property costs in Victoria are generally lower than in Vancouver, so your salary might go further here, allowing for a higher standard of living.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In BC?
Yes, truck drivers are in demand in BC. The job prospects here are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. The job market for truck drivers is pretty balanced with slow growth due to factors such as an increase in online shopping.
Where To Find More Information About Truck Driver Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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