Highest-Paying Delivery Driver Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has synthesized public government data, company information, and insights from thousands of job postings to calculate average salary estimates for various delivery driver roles across the US. This analysis identifies the highest-paying delivery driver positions based on their average annual compensation.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying delivery driver jobs:
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Delivery Specialist ranks as the highest-paid delivery driver, with an average salary of $88,972 and an hourly rate of $42.77.
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Following closely, the second highest-paying delivery role is the Truck Driver, earning an average salary of $60,326.
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The overall average salary for delivery drivers is $38,785 per year, translating to an hourly pay of $18.65.
Table of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision. If you’re considering a position as a delivery driver, understanding the highest-paying roles in this field can help guide your career trajectory.
Here are the top salaries for various types of delivery drivers:
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Delivery Specialist
Average Salary: $88,972
A Delivery Specialist focuses on addressing customer inquiries and managing concerns about the organization’s goods and services before coordinating delivery logistics. They showcase product features to customers and liaise with distribution and warehouse centers to prevent stock shortages and delays. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for maintaining customer records and processing payments accurately.
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Truck Driver
Average Salary: $60,326
A Truck Driver is responsible for transporting goods by road to and from manufacturing facilities or retail locations. They supervise the safe unloading of cargo and ensure it is secured before transport. Maintaining the cleanliness and operational condition of their vehicle while adhering to safety regulations is crucial.
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Delivery Truck Driver
Average Salary: $55,563
A Delivery Truck Driver transports products to clients, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries. Responsibilities include coordinating with logistics teams, handling documentation, and maintaining delivery records. They may also manage customer interactions and payment processing while ensuring vehicle maintenance and compliance with traffic laws.
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Route Driver
Average Salary: $45,492
A Route Driver is tasked with delivering goods within specific timeframes, often involving pickups and drop-offs at various locations. They must communicate effectively with customers and maintain vehicle condition while adhering to company policies.
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Delivery Expert
Average Salary: $42,036
A Delivery Expert is responsible for delivering various items in a designated area, ensuring timely service. Duties include coordinating with logistics staff, obtaining signatures, and keeping clients informed about their deliveries. Regular vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic regulations are crucial for their role.
Below is a comprehensive table of the average pay for various delivery driver roles.
Highest-Paying Types of Delivery Drivers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delivery Specialist | |
| 2 | Truck Driver | |
| 3 | Delivery Truck Driver | |
| 4 | Route Driver | |
| 5 | Delivery Expert | |
| 6 | Delivery Sales Worker | |
| 7 | Dispatcher/Driver | |
| 8 | Delivery Person | |
| 9 | Delivery Associate | |
| 10 | Driver/Installer | |
| 11 | Courier Delivery Driver | |
| 12 | Package Delivery Driver | |
| 13 | Delivery Driver/Installer | |
| 14 | Deliver Driver | |
| 15 | Pizza Delivery Driver | |
| 16 | Driver | |
| 17 | Delivery Driver/Warehouse | |
| 18 | Delivery Helper | |
| 19 | Courier Driver | |
| 20 | Parts Delivery Driver |
Methodology
Zippia compiles salary estimates using publicly available data from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Our data science team also reviews job postings and company reports for the latest salary information.
After gathering the data, a weighted average is calculated for each job title. For more details on our methodology, please refer to the detailed methodology.
FAQs on Highest-Paying Delivery Driver Jobs
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What is the highest-paid delivery driver job?
The highest-paid delivery driver job is a Delivery Specialist. Delivery Specialists earn an average salary of $88,972, or $42.77 an hour.
A Delivery Specialist handles customer inquiries regarding goods and services, demonstrates product features, and coordinates logistics to ensure timely deliveries. They must possess strong communication skills and maintain accurate customer records and payment processes.
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What is a good salary for a delivery driver?
A good salary for a delivery driver is $38,785 or higher. This figure represents the average pay, so earning at least this amount indicates above-average compensation.
Keep in mind that salaries vary by location, as companies adjust pay based on local living costs. If you’re new to the field, the average entry-level salary is approximately $31,671.
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Do delivery driver jobs pay well?
Generally, delivery driver jobs have mixed pay rates. While the average salary of $38,785 is below the national average of approximately $44,225 per year, many drivers can earn significantly more, especially in specialized roles.
Compensation varies based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s advisable to research the going rates in your area and negotiate accordingly.
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Where do delivery drivers earn the most?
Delivery drivers earn the most in Illinois. In Illinois, the average annual salary is $44,148, with an hourly wage of $21.23.
Other states with high delivery driver salaries include Minnesota, North Dakota, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $44,858, $49,322, and $44,104, respectively.
The cities with the highest delivery driver salaries are:
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Boston, MA – $46,026
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Saint Paul, MN – $44,809
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Chicago, IL – $44,512
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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.
