Truck Driver Salary in Michigan (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity market data, and carrier-published pay bands as of this date.
Michigan's freight economy is anchored by Detroit's Big Three automotive supply chain (Ford, GM, Stellantis), the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (busiest US-Canada commercial crossings), Great Lakes port freight, and significant agricultural (cherries, apples, sugar beets) and specialty (dairy, auto-parts) freight. Nominal Michigan median pay tracks at national median. This guide extracts the 2026-verified BLS OEWS data for Michigan against the national $57,440 median annual wage for SOC 53-3032 as of May 2024.1
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Michigan median annual wage: $57,660.3 That's $220 above national — essentially at national median (+0.4%).1
- Michigan state employment: ~54,880 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.3
- Top paying MI metros: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn MSA (auto supply chain premium); Grand Rapids MSA (western distribution); Ann Arbor MSA.
- Dominant freight segments: Detroit auto JIT + tier-1 supplier + finished-vehicle carrier; Canadian cross-border (Detroit-Windsor); Great Lakes port drayage (Detroit, Monroe, Muskegon); specialty agricultural (cherries, apples, dairy, sugar beets); furniture (Grand Rapids).
- Pay premium endorsements: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T), plus Canadian cross-border credentials (FAST card, passport).
- Cross-reference: Michigan CDL Requirements guide.
MI Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
BLS OEWS state/MSA data for SOC 53-3032 in Michigan, May 2024 reference period. Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm.3
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual median (50th percentile) | $57,660 | BLS OEWS state cell, May 2024.3 |
| Annual mean wage | ~$59,000–$61,000 | Mean tracks above median; Detroit auto + LTL upper-tail. |
| Annual 10th percentile | ~$38,000–$40,000 | Entry-level. |
| Annual 25th percentile | ~$46,000–$48,500 | |
| Annual 75th percentile | ~$69,000–$73,500 | Experienced dedicated, auto-carrier, LTL. |
| Annual 90th percentile | ~$83,000–$89,500 | Auto-carrier specialty, LTL linehaul seniority, Canadian cross-border premium. |
| State employment | ~54,880 | Per BLS state OEWS.3 |
National percentile reference: p10 $37,930 · p25 $46,120 · p50 $57,440 · p75 $71,990 · p90 $81,710.1
How MI Compares to National
Michigan's $57,660 state median runs essentially at the $57,440 national median for SOC 53-3032.13 The auto supply chain concentration keeps Detroit-area pay strong; Canadian cross-border premiums (with FAST card and passport) lift experienced driver upper tail.
Metro variation: - Above state median: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn MSA (auto + cross-border). - Near state median: Grand Rapids–Kentwood MSA, Ann Arbor MSA. - Below state median: Flint, Lansing, Saginaw, Upper Peninsula.
BEA RPP shows Michigan near-national.4
Top Michigan Metros for Truck Drivers
Detroit (Detroit–Warren–Dearborn MSA)
Auto capital of the United States: - Big Three HQs: Ford (Dearborn), GM (Detroit Renaissance Center), Stellantis (Auburn Hills). Massive JIT supply chain + finished-vehicle carrier freight. - Tier-1 suppliers. Magna, Lear, Adient, Faurecia, many more — dense dedicated freight demand. - Ambassador Bridge + Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Busiest US-Canada commercial land crossings. - Port of Detroit. Great Lakes bulk and container.
Detroit MSA OEWS posts above MI state mean, carried by auto-carrier and LTL premium. Current Detroit MSA data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19820.htm.5
Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids–Kentwood MSA)
Western Michigan distribution + manufacturing: - Furniture (Steelcase, Herman Miller MillerKnoll, Haworth) — flatbed specialty. - Specialty food (Kellogg adjacent in Battle Creek). - Amazon, Meijer distribution.
Grand Rapids MSA tracks near state median. Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_24340.htm.5
Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor MSA)
University of Michigan + tech spinoffs + medical research freight. Smaller metro, tracks near state median.5
Flint, Lansing, Saginaw
GM-adjacent automotive tier-1 supplier freight, state capital (Lansing), bay-area manufacturing (Saginaw). Tracks near or below state median.5
Upper Peninsula / Northern Lower
Mining (iron ore specifically), forest products, tourism seasonal. Lower density; typically below state median.5
Major Freight Industries Driving MI Pay
| Industry | Freight footprint | Endorsement fit | Pay band notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit auto JIT + tier-1 | Big Three plants + supplier network | Specialty training | Dedicated $70–$95k experienced. |
| Auto-carrier (finished vehicles) | Dealer distribution + Port of Detroit export | Specialty training | $75–$100k experienced; auto-haul is specialty skill. |
| LTL linehaul | Statewide (ODFL, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight) | T highly valuable | $80–$105k+ senior. |
| Canadian cross-border | Detroit-Windsor, Sarnia | FAST card + passport | Premium $75–$105k experienced cross-border. |
| Tanker / petroleum | Statewide fuel distribution | N+H | $72–$100k experienced. |
| Agricultural specialty | Western MI (cherries, apples, dairy), sugar beets Thumb | None required | Seasonal premium at harvest; $58–$82k. |
| Furniture / forest products | Grand Rapids, Upper Peninsula | None required | Flatbed; $58–$82k. |
Major Carriers Hiring in MI
- Auto-carrier specialty: Jack Cooper, Cassens Transport, United Road — serving Big Three finished-vehicle distribution.
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO Logistics, ABF Freight, FedEx Freight, Estes Express, R+L Carriers, USF Holland.
- Mega OTR / Regional: Schneider, Werner, CR England, Heartland Express, Knight-Swift.
- Dedicated / private fleet: Meijer distribution (major MI employer), Walmart Private Fleet, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Amazon, Kellogg logistics (Battle Creek).
- Tanker / petroleum: Kenan Advantage Group, Marathon Petroleum distribution, local fuel distributors.
- Cross-border specialists: Mullen Transportation, Transport Bourret, multiple Detroit-area cross-border operators.
- MI-HQ: Kenworth of Michigan, Art Moehn logistics, Southern Michigan Transport.
Pay by Route Type
- OTR: $62–$82k.
- Regional (MI + OH/IN/IL/WI): $66–$88k.
- Local / home-daily: $52–$82k; Detroit auto-tier-1 dedicated often at upper end.
- Dedicated: $68–$95k; auto-tier-1 often $70–$92k.
- Auto-carrier specialty: $75–$100k experienced.
- Cross-border: $75–$105k experienced.
- LTL linehaul: $80–$105k+ senior.
- Owner-operator: $70–$145k variable; cross-border specialty can push higher.
Use CPM → Annual Salary calculator + Lease vs Company vs Owner-Op calculator.
MI CDL and Licensing
Michigan CDL Requirements guide. Michigan Secretary of State (not DMV); $25 CDL base + $5 per endorsement; 4-year renewal; 14-day CLP hold; ELDT required; third-party skills testing via approved testers; one-day retest wait for failed knowledge tests.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Michigan in 2026? The MI state median annual wage for SOC 53-3032 is $57,660 per BLS OEWS May 20243 — essentially at national median ($57,440).1 Experienced drivers on specialty freight (auto-carrier, senior LTL linehaul, cross-border) commonly push into the $85–$105k range. Entry-level drivers earn $40–$48k year one.
What is the highest-paying trucking job in Michigan? Auto-carrier specialty (finished vehicles from Detroit Big Three plants), senior LTL linehaul, and Canadian cross-border (with FAST card) are all top-tier Michigan CDL-A lanes — experienced drivers in each category commonly exceed $85–$105k.
Where in MI do truck drivers get paid the most? Detroit MSA leads on auto-industry premium and cross-border work. Grand Rapids MSA and Ann Arbor MSA track near state median. Smaller metros (Flint, Lansing, Saginaw) track below.
Is Michigan a good state for truck drivers? Yes — the auto supply chain creates unusually consistent CDL-A demand. Cross-border to Canada offers pay premium. LTL linehaul is strong. Winter driving skill is essential — extreme lake-effect snow and ice across the state.
How does MI truck driver pay compare to Ohio? MI state median ($57,660) is very close to OH state median (typically ~$57,750). Both states are near national. MI's auto-carrier specialty and cross-border work give upper-tail an edge; OH's air cargo (Cincinnati) and LTL concentration give OH similar upper-tail strength.
Can I make six figures as a truck driver in Michigan? Yes. Common paths: auto-carrier specialty (finished vehicles); senior LTL linehaul; Canadian cross-border (FAST card required); Walmart Private Fleet or Meijer dedicated; specialty tanker with X endorsement.
What are the largest carriers hiring in MI in 2026? Jack Cooper (auto-carrier), Cassens Transport, Meijer distribution, Schneider, Werner, Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Kenan Advantage (tanker), Stellantis/Ford/GM dedicated carriers. Verify current pay bands via each recruiting portal.
I drive cross-border to Canada. What additional credentials? Passport for driver identification + FAST card (Free and Secure Trade) for expedited commercial crossing. Specific freight may require additional Canadian customs documentation (CBSA). Cross-border runs typically pay premium over domestic equivalents.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS, "53-3032," May 2024 national.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm↩↩↩↩↩ -
BLS OOH, "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — Pay."
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-5↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 State Estimates — Michigan."
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm↩↩↩↩↩↩↩ -
U.S. BEA, "Regional Price Parities."
https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Estimates." Detroit MSA:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19820.htm· Grand Rapids MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_24340.htm· Ann Arbor MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_11460.htm· All MI MSAs:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm↩↩↩↩↩
