Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).
Rhode Island is the smallest state by geography and has a relatively small CDL driver population (~3,330), but Providence + Port of Providence + Boston metro adjacency create a tight, high-volume freight market. I-95 runs through the state as the primary NE corridor spine; I-195 connects to Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Rhode Island state median: $58,960. Employment: ~3,330.2
- Rhode Island median sits ~$1,520 above the national median — modestly above.
- Top paying metro: Providence-Warwick MSA (covers most of the state).
- Distinguishing features: Boston metro adjacency, Port of Providence (container + petroleum + bulk), I-95 NE corridor, small state footprint with tight freight density.
Rhode Island Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm.2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median wage | $58,960 |
| State employment | ~3,330 |
| State vs national median | +$1,520 (+2.6%) |
How Rhode Island Compares to the National Median
RI's $58,960 median sits ~$1,520 above national.12 BEA RPP for Rhode Island runs above national, especially near Providence. Real purchasing power closer to national than nominal suggests.3
Top Rhode Island Metro
Providence-Warwick MSA
- Port of Providence (ProvPort) — container + petroleum + bulk.
- Hasbro, CVS Health (HQ Woonsocket), Textron HQ — corporate freight.
- Boston metro adjacency — northern RI feeds into Boston freight.
- I-95 corridor.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39300.htm.4
Major Freight Industries
| Industry | Endorsement fit | Pay band |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Providence drayage | TWIC | $58–$82k |
| Boston-metro LTL overnight | T | $72–$95k experienced |
| CVS Health distribution | None | $58–$80k |
| Petroleum (ProvPort) | X | $65–$90k |
Major Carriers Hiring in Rhode Island
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Estes, A. Duie Pyle.
- Regional: NFI, New England Motor Freight successors.
- Dedicated: CVS Health (HQ Woonsocket RI) distribution, Hasbro freight contractors.
- Port drayage: Providence-specific specialty drayage.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Rhode Island in 2026? RI state median is $58,960 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with ~3,330 drivers employed.2 Above national by ~$1,520. Experienced LTL or specialty tanker drivers push $75,000–$92,000+.
Is CVS Health a good employer for truck drivers in RI? CVS Health (HQ Woonsocket) has significant dedicated distribution freight. Specific pay bands vary — verify in writing.
What are the largest carriers hiring in RI in 2026? Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, A. Duie Pyle, CVS Health dedicated, Port of Providence drayage specialists.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS 53-3032 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm ↩
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BLS OEWS Rhode Island State. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm ↩↩↩↩
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BEA Regional Price Parities. https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area ↩
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BLS OEWS Providence MSA: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39300.htm · All RI: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm ↩
