Salary by experience
The average gross salary of a truck driver in 2026 is around €2,800 to €3,500 per month (approx. €33,000–42,000 a year). Exactly how much depends heavily on experience, region, area of work and bonuses.
| Level | Gross/month (guide value) |
|---|---|
| Entry (newcomer) | approx. €2,500 – 2,800 |
| With some experience | approx. €2,900 – 3,200 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | approx. €3,300 and more |
| With specialisation (e.g. ADR, heavy haulage) | up to approx. €4,000 |
Regional differences
The highest wages are currently paid in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. For experienced long-haul drivers, base salaries here are often €3,200 to €3,600. If you're in Munich, that's good news – your location works in your favour when it comes to pay.
Local vs. long-haul & per diems
The base salaries in local and long-haul transport are often close together. The difference lies in the additional benefits:
- Local transport: home in the evening, plannable hours – popular with families.
- Long-haul: plus per diems and meal allowances (tax-free daily rates) that noticeably increase your net pay. In return, more time away from home.
How to earn more as a truck driver
- Class CE instead of just C – articulated trucks are the most in demand in long-haul. To the truck training →
- Additional qualifications: ADR certificate (dangerous goods), crane, forklift licence or heavy-haulage experience.
- Keep Module 95 up to date – mandatory, but also a mark of professionalism. More →
- Employers bound by collective agreements usually pay better than those that aren't.
- Negotiate: thanks to the driver shortage you're in demand – use your position.
A crisis-proof job – often fully funded
The start begins with the truck licence and the basic qualification. As an AZAV-certified provider we do both – and check free of charge whether the Employment Agency will cover your training.
The funded career start
The best part: you don't have to pay the training costs of €7,000 to over €10,000 yourself. If you receive benefits and the truck licence improves your job prospects, the Employment Agency can finance the complete training through an education voucher. How the funding works step by step →
FAQ
What does a truck driver earn at the start?
How much more do you net in long-haul?
Do I need a three-year apprenticeship?
All salary figures are guide values (as of July 2026) and vary by employer, region, collective agreement and area of work.