What is a Truck Driver Salary in the UK?

If you're considering a career in haulage or comparing job offers, understanding the truck driver salary landscape is essential. The most authoritative source is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), which provides data specifically for large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers – the official classification for HGV drivers.

According to ONS ASHE 2025 provisional figures, the median gross annual salary for LGV drivers in the UK is £39,141. The median hourly rate (excluding overtime) is £16.25. This places truck driving well above the UK median full-time salary of £39,039 (all occupations) and far above the National Living Wage.

How Hourly Rates Convert to Annual Salary for Truck Drivers

Converting an hourly rate to an annual salary depends entirely on the number of hours worked per week. The standard conversion used by many salary calculators assumes a 37.5-hour week:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

At the median hourly rate of £16.25 and 37.5 hours, that would give £16.25 × 37.5 × 52 = £31,687.50. But the ONS median annual salary is £39,141 – a difference of over £7,400. Why? Because truck drivers typically work more than 37.5 hours per week.

The RHA Pay Report 2026, based on a survey of haulage members, shows average weekly hours for different HGV classes:

• Class B (up to 3.5t): 45 hours
• Class C1 (up to 7.5t): 48 hours
• Class C (rigid): 49 hours
• Class C+E (artic): 55 hours

Using the ONS median hourly rate of £16.25 and the median annual salary of £39,141, we can back-calculate the implied weekly hours: £39,141 ÷ (£16.25 × 52) ≈ 46.3 hours per week. This matches the industry pattern of longer shifts and regular overtime.

When comparing job offers, always check the guaranteed weekly hours and whether overtime is paid at a premium rate. Our hourly calculator lets you adjust hours to see the annual equivalent for your specific situation.

Truck Driver Pay by Experience and Class

Pay varies by vehicle class, experience, and region. The RHA Pay Report 2026 gives median hourly rates for each licence category:

• Class B (van up to 3.5t): £12.50/hour
• Class C1 (up to 7.5t): £13.05/hour
• Class C (rigid LGV): £14.50/hour
• Class C+E (artic LGV): £15.05/hour

ONS ASHE data for all LGV drivers provides a fuller distribution:

Percentile	Annual Gross	Hourly (excl. OT)
10th	£24,708	£13.25
25th (lower quartile)	£32,510	£14.69
50th (median)	£39,141	£16.25
75th (upper quartile)	£46,326	£18.64
90th	£52,634	£21.75

These figures show that experienced drivers with Class C+E licences and those working in higher-paying sectors (e.g., tanker, abnormal loads) can earn well above the median.

Overtime and Additional Payments

Truck driver roles often include overtime, night-out allowances, and bonuses. The ONS hourly rate excludes overtime, but the annual figure includes all pay. This means the effective hourly rate including overtime can be higher than the £16.25 median. The RHA report notes that many members pay overtime at time-and-a-half or double time, especially for weekend work.

When evaluating a salary offer, ask for:

• Basic contracted hours and rate
• Overtime rate and how often it applies
• Any shift premiums (night, weekend, bank holiday)
• Meal and overnight allowances (these are not included in the tabled rates)

Regional Variations and London Weighting

The ONS data is UK-wide. The RHA Pay Report does not break down by region, but the voluntary Real Living Wage for 2026 is £13.45 per hour UK-wide and £14.80 in London. Many haulage firms in London and the South East offer higher rates to attract drivers, but living costs are also higher. For a more detailed breakdown by region, see our salary data page.

Comparing Truck Driver Salary to Other Roles

At £39,141 median annual salary, truck driving compares favourably with many skilled trades. For example, the UK median full-time salary across all occupations is £39,039 (ONS ASHE 2025). The National Living Wage for a 37.5-hour week gives just £24,784.50 per year. Truck drivers typically earn more because of the longer hours, specialist skills, and responsibility involved.

However, the trade-off is irregular hours, time away from home, and physical demands. Always consider the total compensation package, not just the headline salary.

Using Our Salary Tools

To compare hourly offers with salaried positions, use our Hourly to Salary converter. You can input your hourly rate and weekly hours to see the annual equivalent, or vice versa. Remember that the conversion assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime. Actual pay depends on your rota, holiday pay method, and any London weighting or overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.

For more articles on UK pay benchmarks, visit our salary articles section.

Summary

The typical truck driver salary in the UK, based on ONS ASHE 2025, is £39,141 per year or £16.25 per hour (excluding overtime). Drivers often work 45–55 hours per week, so the annual figure reflects longer hours than standard occupations. Pay varies by licence class, experience, and region, with top earners exceeding £52,000. When comparing job offers, always factor in overtime rates, guaranteed hours, and allowances.