REPORT: Truck Driver Salaries In Mexico

REPORT: Truck Driver Salaries In Mexico

In 2024, the average salary for truck drivers in Mexico is approximately $423 per month, according to recent statistics from Data Mexico and the Ministry of Economy.

This monthly wage translates to an annual income of about $5,076, reflecting an 8.4% increase from the $390 average reported in the same period of 2023.

The Mexican trucking industry employs around 1.18 million individuals, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the previous year. The average age of truck drivers in the country is 41, with men comprising more than 98% of the workforce. In contrast, women, who make up about 1.29% of drivers, earn an average salary of only $260 per month.

Wage Disparities by Industry
Salaries vary widely based on location, type of cargo, and the size of the employer. The highest average salaries are found in the following sectors:

    • Construction material hauling: $876 a month
    • Mining services: $845 a month
    • Retail goods: $645 a month

Regional Employment
The states with the largest number of professional truckers are:

    • State of Mexico: 172,000 drivers
    • Nuevo Leon: 105,000 drivers
    • Jalisco: 102,000 drivers

Comparison with U.S. Truck Drivers
In stark contrast, recent data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) reveals that the average truck driver in the United States earned $76,420 in 2023, representing a 10% increase over the previous two years. The significant disparity in wages underscores the varying economic landscapes and labor markets between the two countries.

Cross-Border Trade Dynamics
The trucking industry in Mexico contributes approximately 3.5% to the country’s gross domestic product. During a recent North American Transportation Forum webinar on trade agreements and nearshoring, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello emphasized the crucial role of trucking in the cross-border supply chain between the U.S. and Mexico.

He noted a shift in inbound truck data, revealing that while the North American Free Trade Agreement initially saw over 60% of inbound trucks coming from Canada, there has been a 30% increase in trucks entering from Mexico over the past five years.

Historic Truck Crossings
Cross-border truck transits between Mexico and the United States have recently reached historic highs, coinciding with increased focus on tariffs and trade policy amid the U.S. election.

According to the latest data from Motive, which monitors trucking visits to North American distribution facilities for major retailers, cross-border trade between Mexico and the U.S. surged approximately 52% year-to-date through September.


Source: FreightWaves & CNBC