The average truck driver salary in Canada is $55,000-$85,000 per year. This guide breaks down trucker pay by province, driving type, and experience level.

Truck Driver Salary by Province

Province Local Long-Haul Owner-Operator
Alberta $60,000 $85,000 $120,000
Ontario $55,000 $78,000 $110,000
British Columbia $58,000 $80,000 $115,000
Saskatchewan $58,000 $82,000 $115,000
Manitoba $55,000 $78,000 $108,000
Quebec $52,000 $72,000 $100,000
Nova Scotia $48,000 $68,000 $95,000
New Brunswick $48,000 $68,000 $92,000
Newfoundland $52,000 $72,000 $98,000
PEI $45,000 $65,000 $88,000
Territories $70,000+ $95,000 $140,000+

Salary by Driving Type

Type Annual Salary Pay Structure
Local/City $50,000-$65,000 Hourly
Regional $60,000-$78,000 Per mile/load
Long-Haul (OTR) $70,000-$95,000 Per mile
Cross-Border (US) $75,000-$100,000 Per mile
Team Driving $80,000-$100,000 Per mile
Owner-Operator $100,000-$150,000 Gross revenue

Salary by Cargo/Specialization

Specialization Salary Range
Dry Van $55,000-$75,000
Flatbed $65,000-$90,000
Refrigerated (Reefer) $65,000-$88,000
Tanker $70,000-$95,000
Hazmat $75,000-$100,000
Oversized/Heavy Haul $80,000-$120,000
Logging $70,000-$95,000
Oil & Gas $85,000-$130,000
Ice Roads $100,000-$150,000

Pay Structures Explained

Pay Type Typical Rate
Per Mile $0.45-$0.65/mile
Per Hour $22-$32/hour
Per Load $200-$800/load
Percentage (O/O) 70-85% of load

Example: 2,500 miles/week at $0.55/mile = $71,500/year

Take-Home Pay (Ontario Example)

Gross Salary Annual Take-Home Monthly Net
$60,000 $46,500 $3,875
$80,000 $60,500 $5,040
$100,000 $72,500 $6,040

Owner-Operator Economics

Factor Typical Amount
Gross Revenue $180,000-$280,000
Fuel (30%) $54,000-$84,000
Insurance $12,000-$20,000
Maintenance $15,000-$25,000
Truck Payment $18,000-$36,000
Other Expenses $10,000-$20,000
Net Income $70,000-$120,000

Experience & Pay Progression

Experience Salary Range
New CDL (0-1 year) $45,000-$55,000
1-3 years $55,000-$70,000
3-5 years $65,000-$85,000
5-10 years $75,000-$95,000
10+ years $80,000-$110,000

Getting Started

Requirement Details
AZ/Class 1 License $5,000-$10,000 training
Training Time 4-8 weeks
Age Requirement 18 (intra-provincial), 21 (US)
Medical Required
Clean Abstract Required

Is Truck Driving a Good Career in Canada?

Pros:

  • High demand, driver shortage
  • No degree required
  • Quick entry (weeks, not years)
  • Owner-operator income potential
  • See the country
  • Independence

Cons:

  • Time away from home (long-haul)
  • Sedentary lifestyle, health issues
  • Irregular sleep schedule
  • Tight deadlines, stress
  • Weather driving
  • Automation concerns (future)
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