Find a Job You Really Want In
Delivery Drivers continue to be a vital part of the American workforce, with individuals in this role represented across every state. Contrary to popular belief, delivery drivers are not exclusively found in metropolitan areas like California or the South; opportunities exist nationwide.
Recognizing the importance of this profession, Zippia examined the states offering the best conditions for delivery drivers, focusing on job availability and competitive pay at all career stages.
By analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we identified which states provide the most favorable opportunities for delivery drivers. Here’s our updated list of the top locations for delivery drivers in 2026:
This list highlights that the Light Truck or Delivery Services Driver role remains a top choice for job seekers in 2026. But how did we arrive at this ranking? Continue reading to understand our methodology and discover more about the top ten states.
If you’re interested in further insights, check out the following resources:
- Best Companies to Work For in Chicago, IL
- These Are The 20 Best Small Companies In Chicago To Work For
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Chicago
How We Determined the Best States for Delivery Drivers
At Zippia, we connect with diverse job seekers to identify what they value most in their careers. Our research reveals two main priorities:
- Job availability
- Competitive pay
To find the best states for delivery drivers, we evaluated where job opportunities are plentiful and where salaries are competitive. Our criteria were sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of job prevalence in each state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual entry-level salary.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary figures based on the cost of living in each state. This adjustment accounts for the reality that a salary of $40,110 in California, for instance, may not stretch as far as a $39,770 salary in Illinois.
Each state was ranked from 1 to 50 based on the criteria, with the lowest score identifying the best state for delivery drivers. Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes each state a great option for delivery drivers.
1. Illinois
Total Jobs: 49,140
Average Annual Salary: $39,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,250
Average Experienced Salary: $65,140
Location Quotient: 1.3
2. Michigan
Total Jobs: 28,860
Average Annual Salary: $36,230
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,960
Average Experienced Salary: $61,940
Location Quotient: 1.06
3. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 15,680
Average Annual Salary: $35,990
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,680
Average Experienced Salary: $61,900
Location Quotient: 1.31
4. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 1,480
Average Annual Salary: $39,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,770
Average Experienced Salary: $62,500
Location Quotient: 0.87
5. Kansas
Total Jobs: 8,400
Average Annual Salary: $37,440
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,970
Average Experienced Salary: $64,290
Location Quotient: 0.97
6. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 18,250
Average Annual Salary: $36,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,810
Average Experienced Salary: $63,500
Location Quotient: 0.98
7. Arizona
Total Jobs: 15,300
Average Annual Salary: $39,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,080
Average Experienced Salary: $69,070
Location Quotient: 0.87
8. Texas
Total Jobs: 65,960
Average Annual Salary: $37,590
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,590
Average Experienced Salary: $66,560
Location Quotient: 0.86
9. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 2,060
Average Annual Salary: $41,900
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,670
Average Experienced Salary: $67,280
Location Quotient: 0.78
10. Georgia
Total Jobs: 27,890
Average Annual Salary: $36,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,110
Average Experienced Salary: $62,130
Location Quotient: 1.0
There You Have It – The Best States to Be a Delivery Driver
If you’re considering a career as a delivery driver, these states should be your top picks. They offer competitive pay, ample job opportunities, and potential for career growth.
Additionally, here are the states where delivery drivers may face challenges:
For further insights, explore these resources:
Detailed List of the Best States for Delivery Drivers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $39,770 |
| 2 | Michigan | $36,230 |
| 3 | Kentucky | $35,990 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $39,100 |
| 5 | Kansas | $37,440 |
| 6 | Tennessee | $36,640 |
| 7 | Arizona | $39,150 |
| 8 | Texas | $37,590 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $41,900 |
| 10 | Georgia | $36,700 |
| 11 | Idaho | $34,630 |
| 12 | Colorado | $38,970 |
| 13 | Mississippi | $31,970 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $40,440 |
| 15 | Missouri | $35,070 |
| 16 | Washington | $41,160 |
| 17 | Arkansas | $32,220 |
| 18 | Nebraska | $35,760 |
| 19 | Indiana | $33,930 |
| 20 | Ohio | $33,960 |
| 21 | West Virginia | $32,380 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $34,270 |
| 23 | Utah | $35,810 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $33,850 |
| 25 | Florida | $35,370 |
| 26 | Louisiana | $32,930 |
| 27 | Montana | $34,930 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $35,130 |
| 29 | Iowa | $33,150 |
| 30 | Alabama | $30,910 |
| 31 | Nevada | $38,090 |
| 32 | Delaware | $35,710 |
| 33 | South Dakota | $34,000 |
| 34 | Virginia | $35,530 |
| 35 | Alaska | $44,750 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $34,110 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $32,400 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $38,220 |
| 39 | Vermont | $36,880 |
| 40 | Rhode Island | $36,170 |
| 41 | Maryland | $39,210 |
| 42 | Oregon | $37,730 |
| 43 | Wisconsin | $33,700 |
| 44 | Maine | $33,850 |
| 45 | Massachusetts | $40,960 |
| 46 | Connecticut | $37,990 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | $35,210 |
| 48 | California | $40,110 |
| 49 | Hawaii | $37,610 |
| 50 | New York | $38,160 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
