Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$59,800$28.75 per hour · $4,983 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wage Percentiles in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $19.95/hr | $3,458 | $41,500 | $34,883 |
| 25th Percentile | $23.27/hr | $4,033 | $48,400 | $40,126 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $28.75/hr | $4,983 | $59,800 | $48,602 |
| 75th Percentile | $34.52/hr | $5,983 | $71,800 | $56,823 |
| 90th Percentile | $39.13/hr | $6,783 | $81,400 | $62,770 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$59,800 measures up against local economic conditions:
Explore Related Salary & Regional Profiles
Compare truck drivers salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in California:
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Pay in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
What is the median salary for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The official BLS median annual wage for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $59,800, which equates to approximately $4,983 per month or $28.75 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median hourly wage for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $28.75 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $19.95/hour and one in ten earned more than $39.13/hour.
What is the pay range for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
BLS wage estimates for truck drivers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA span from $41,500 at the 10th percentile to $48,400 at the 25th, $71,800 at the 75th, and $81,400 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do truck drivers take home after taxes in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On a median gross salary of $59,800, an estimated $48,602 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,869 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in California in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $11,198 (an effective rate of 18.7%).
How much do truck drivers make per month in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
On the median annual salary of $59,800, gross monthly income is $4,983. After federal, FICA, and California state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $4,050 per month (or $1,869 every two weeks).
Is $59,800 a good salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
At $59,800, the median salary for truck drivers is 53.8% of the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA median household income ($111,093). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 109.9, making regional consumer goods and services 9.9% more expensive than the U.S. average.