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 $50,000 per annum.
Salaries are based on a working week of around 45-50 hours per week; however, many drivers will boost their salaries with additional hours.
What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Canada By Province 2023?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
Truck Driver's Salary In Canada By Province 2021
| Truck Driver's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 73300) | |||
| Province | Low ($ 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. | |||
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, salaries are significantly higher for this group, 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.
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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What Is A Truck Driver’s Salary In Ontario?
A truck driver’s salary in Ontario ranges from around $36,000 per annum as starting salary up to $68,000 per annum in 2023. Mid-range salaries are about $50,000 per annum, which aligns with national averages.
Truck drivers’ salaries in Ontario are very consistent across the province. This includes Toronto, where truck drivers’ salaries are just marginally higher than provincial averages.
