Driver/Sales Workers Salary Guide 2025: $38,770 Median, Fast Growth
The median annual pay for Driver/Sales Workers in the U.S. is $38,770, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. That means half earn more, half less. The typical range runs from $22,590 at the 10th percentile up to $59,980 at the 90th. Mean hourly wage is about $19. Across the country, 409,180 people held these jobs in 2024.
How much Driver/Sales Workers earn
Pay depends heavily on where you work and your experience level. The bottom 10% of earners make less than $22,590, while the top 10% take home over $59,980. The mean annual wage for all Driver/Sales Workers is $40,730. Most workers are paid hourly, with the mean hourly wage around $19.60. Because sales commissions can boost income, actual earnings can vary quite a bit within the same employer.
Benefits vary by employer. Many positions offer paid time off, health insurance, and vehicle allowances. Full-time schedules are common, but some jobs are part-time or seasonal. Tips and bonuses may also add to total compensation, especially in food and beverage delivery roles.
- National median: $38,770
- 10th percentile: $22,590
- 90th percentile: $59,980
- Mean annual: $40,730
- Mean hourly: $19.60
- Total U.S. employment: 409,180
Pay by state
Alaska is the highest-paying state for Driver/Sales Workers, with an average annual wage of $48,420. Iowa follows at $47,120, Massachusetts at $46,870, Vermont at $46,300, and California at $45,600. These states tend to have higher costs of living or strong union presences in delivery sectors. On the low end, South Carolina averages just $22,240, Utah is $26,590, and Wyoming is $26,940. That spread of over $26,000 between the highest and lowest states shows location matters more than in many occupations.
How to become Driver/Sales Worker
No formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. What matters most is a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Many employers also require a commercial driver's license (CDL) if the vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Even without a CDL, you'll often need to pass a background check and drug test. On-the-job training is standard, lasting from a few days to several weeks.
Some employers prefer experience in customer service or delivery driving. Sales aptitude helps, since this role involves selling products while making deliveries. Basic math skills for handling cash and transactions are also useful. For advancement, completing a CDL training program or gaining sales certifications can open up higher-paying routes.
- Minimum age: usually 18 (21 for interstate driving)
- Get a valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Consider earning a CDL if driving large vehicles
- Apply to companies like beverage distributors, food service suppliers, or package delivery firms
- On-the-job training typically lasts under one month
- Optional: customer service or sales experience helps
Job outlook
Employment for Driver/Sales Workers is projected to grow 8.8% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 51,300 job openings each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. The steady demand for home delivery of goods — from food to furniture — drives this growth. E-commerce and local delivery services continue to expand, creating opportunities across the country.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Driver/Sales Worker do?
They drive trucks or vans to deliver products, and also sell goods to customers on the route. Tasks include loading/unloading products, collecting payments, and promoting items to store managers or individual clients.
Is being a Driver/Sales Worker the same as a delivery driver?
Not exactly. A pure delivery driver only drops off items, while a Driver/Sales Worker also makes sales calls, builds customer relationships, and might negotiate orders. The role combines driving with active selling.
Do I need a CDL to be a Driver/Sales Worker?
Only if the vehicle you drive has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds or transports hazardous materials. Many local delivery routes use smaller trucks that don't require a CDL.
What are the typical hours for a Driver/Sales Worker?
Many jobs are full-time, 40 hours per week, but schedules can include early mornings, evenings, or weekends depending on delivery windows. Some positions are part-time or seasonal, especially around holidays.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Driver/Sales Workers data.