Truck Driver Salary in Utah (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).
Utah's trucking economy centers on Salt Lake City, where I-15 (north-south) and I-80 (east-west) converge to make the Wasatch Front one of the most important intermountain distribution hubs in the western U.S. The Utah Inland Port (authorized 2018, actively developing) aims to make SLC a major inland container consolidation point. Mining freight (copper, coal, specialty metals), growing tech-sector distribution (Silicon Slopes), and tourism-support logistics round out the state's freight profile.
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Utah state median annual wage: $54,820. Employment: ~19,840.2
- Utah median sits ~$2,620 below the national median on nominal — offset by moderate cost of living.
- Top paying metros: Salt Lake City MSA, Ogden–Clearfield MSA, Provo–Orem MSA.
- Distinguishing features: I-15/I-80 convergence, Utah Inland Port development, Silicon Slopes tech distribution, mining/chemical freight, state income tax flat ~4.55%.
Utah Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm.2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median wage | $54,820 |
| State employment | ~19,840 |
| State vs national median | −$2,620 (−4.6%) |
How Utah Compares to the National Median
Utah's $54,820 median sits below national by ~$2,620. BEA Regional Price Parities track near national; SLC area housing has risen sharply in recent years but remains below coastal metros.3 Flat 4.55% state income tax is moderate.
Top Utah Metros for Truck Drivers
Salt Lake City MSA
- I-15 / I-80 convergence — the most important interstate intersection in the intermountain west.
- Utah Inland Port — developing container consolidation point; adjacent to SLC International Airport.
- Silicon Slopes — tech-sector distribution (Adobe, Qualtrics, etc.).
- Mining + specialty metals freight — Kennecott / Rio Tinto copper.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41620.htm.4
Ogden–Clearfield MSA
- Hill Air Force Base — defense logistics.
- Regional distribution.
- Union Pacific rail intermodal.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36260.htm.4
Provo–Orem MSA
- Tech distribution (Silicon Slopes south end).
- BYU + higher ed logistics.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39340.htm.4
Major Freight Industries
| Industry | Endorsement fit | Pay band |
|---|---|---|
| Intermountain distribution | None | $55–$80k |
| Mining / copper / specialty metals | H helpful | $55–$85k |
| Tech distribution (Silicon Slopes) | None | $55–$80k |
| LTL linehaul | T | $72–$98k experienced |
| Fuel / chemical tanker | X (H+N) | $68–$95k |
Major Carriers Hiring in Utah
- Utah-based / intermountain: C.R. England (HQ Salt Lake City) — major refrigerated carrier. Stevens Transport (TX HQ, strong UT presence). Ensign Services fleets.
- Mega OTR: Schneider, Werner, Knight-Swift (HQ Phoenix, strong UT presence), CR England, Heartland Express.
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Estes, ABF Freight.
- Dedicated: Walmart Private Fleet, Costco, Amazon Freight, Smith's (Kroger) distribution.
- Tanker: Kenan Advantage, Groendyke, Trimac.
C.R. England (HQ SLC) is the flagship Utah-based trucking carrier — one of the largest refrigerated carriers in the U.S.
Pay by Route Type
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Utah in 2026? Utah state median is $54,820 for SOC 53-3032 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with ~19,840 drivers employed.2 State sits ~$2,620 below national median of $57,440.1
What is the highest-paying trucking job in Utah? Senior LTL linehaul (Old Dominion, Saia with OT) and specialty X-endorsed tanker. $75,000–$98,000+ achievable for experienced drivers.
Is C.R. England a good employer in Utah? C.R. England is one of the largest refrigerated carriers in the U.S. and headquartered in Salt Lake City. Frequently hires; specific program economics vary — verify pay band on offer before signing.
What are the largest carriers hiring in Utah in 2026? C.R. England (SLC), Knight-Swift, Schneider, Werner, Old Dominion, Saia, Costco dedicated, Walmart Private Fleet, Kenan Advantage.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS 53-3032 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm ↩
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BLS OEWS Utah State. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.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 MSAs. SLC: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41620.htm · Ogden: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36260.htm · Provo: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39340.htm · All UT: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm ↩↩↩
