Computer Programmers vs Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $41,230 more per year than Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers professionals — that's 71.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $78,800 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$38,640 – $78,800
$38,640$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $38,640 | +$13,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $47,230 | +$24,630 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $57,440 | +$41,230 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $65,520 | +$63,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $78,800 | +$83,290 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $58,400 | +$45,240 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
2,070,480
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $65,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $41,230 (71.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $78,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $57,440.
How many Computer Programmers and Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 2,070,480 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers earns $57,440. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS