When people search online for “how much truck drivers earn in Canada”, they are usually job seekers, immigrants, or skilled workers looking for a secure and well-paying job in Canada without a degree. And truck driving is one of the most popular options.
Canada is one of the largest countries in the world, and almost everything we buy — food, clothes, construction materials, electronics — gets transported by trucks. Because of this, truck driver jobs in Canada for foreigners have become one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada 2025.
According to government data, Canada will need more than 149,000 new truck drivers by 2035, and this shortage means higher salaries, better immigration chances, and easier access to permanent residency (Canada PR). That’s why thousands of people from India, Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Middle East countries are applying for Canada work permit truck driver jobs.
Why Truck Driving is Attractive for Foreigners
- You don’t need a university degree.
- You can start earning a good income after completing truck driver training in Canada.
- Truck driver salary in Canada per month is much higher than many jobs back home.
- Many provinces allow truck drivers to apply for PR through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- There are multiple options: long-haul truck driver jobs in Canada, local delivery truck jobs, owner-operator trucking jobs, and specialized roles like hazmat trucking.
Truck Driver Salary in Canada 2025 – Full Breakdown
The most important question is: How much money do truck drivers earn in Canada?
The answer depends on experience, province, job type (local or long-haul), and whether you are an employee or an owner-operator truck driver in Canada.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Canada 2025
| Driver Type | Hourly Wage (CAD) | Monthly Salary (CAD) | Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Truck Driver | $19 – $22 | $3,200 – $3,800 | $40,000 – $46,000 |
| Average Truck Driver | $25/hr | $4,300 – $4,600 | $52,000 – $55,000 |
| Experienced Driver | $30 – $36/hr | $5,200 – $6,200 | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Long-Haul Truck Driver | $35 – $45/hr | $6,500 – $7,800 | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
| Owner-Operator (Gross) | $100k – $250k | $10,000 – $20,000+ | Up to $320,000 |
Provincial Breakdown of Truck Driver Salaries
| Province | Average Annual Salary (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $60,000 – $98,000 | High demand due to oil & gas sector |
| British Columbia | $55,000 – $80,000 | Higher cost of living, but strong pay |
| Ontario | $50,000 – $75,000 | Logistics hub, many opportunities |
| Quebec | $48,000 – $70,000 | Slightly lower but stable demand |
| Saskatchewan | $52,000 – $78,000 | Heavy farming & industry trucking |
| Manitoba | $50,000 – $72,000 | Central province, steady work |
| Atlantic Canada | $45,000 – $65,000 | Lower wages but many openings |
👉 Best Provinces in Canada for Truck Drivers: Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan.
Truck Drivers vs Other Drivers
| Driver Type | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver (Amazon/UPS) | $20 – $22 | $40,000 – $45,000 | Entry level |
| Taxi Driver | $22 | $42,000 – $46,000 | City-based |
| Uber/Lyft Driver | Variable | $35,000 – $50,000 | After fuel & car costs |
| Bus Driver | $24 – $28 | $48,000 – $58,000 | Government jobs |
| Truck Driver | $25 – $45/hr | $50,000 – $100,000+ | Higher pay, better PR chances |
👉 Truck drivers earn more than delivery drivers, taxi drivers, or Uber drivers in Canada.
Career Path – How to Become a Truck Driver in Canada
When people search “how to apply for truck driver jobs in Canada from India, Philippines, or Nigeria,” they want clear steps. Let’s break it down step by step with keywords included naturally.
Step 1: Basic Eligibility for Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
To get a truck driver job in Canada for foreigners with visa sponsorship, you must meet some minimum requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (some provinces prefer 21+ for long-haul).
- Hold a valid driving license in your home country.
- Have a clean driving record (no major accidents or violations).
- Be physically fit (good eyesight, medical fitness certificate).
- Some English or French language ability (IELTS CLB 4+ is often enough for PR pathways).
Step 2: Training and Licensing
Every province has specific training rules. In Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, you need to complete MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training).
- MELT Program: Around 103.5 hours of classroom + in-vehicle training.
- License Classes:
- Class 1 License (Tractor-trailer, semi-truck, long-haul)
- Class 3 License (Straight trucks, dump trucks)
- Air Brake Endorsement (Z Endorsement) is mandatory for most commercial trucks.
- Special Certifications: Hazmat, oversized load, winter driving (ice road trucking).
Step 3: Finding a Truck Driver Job in Canada
Many companies in Canada hire foreign workers as truck drivers with LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval. This allows you to apply for a work permit.
Ways to Apply:
- Direct Company Websites – Big logistics companies like Bison Transport, TransX, Challenger Motor Freight, Canada Cartage often hire foreign drivers.
- Job Portals – Popular websites:
- Job Bank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- Workopolis
- Recruitment Agencies specializing in Canada truck driver immigration jobs.
Step 4: Immigration & PR Pathway for Truck Drivers in Canada
This is where truck driver jobs become even more attractive — you can qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada through trucking jobs.
Pathways to Canada PR for Truck Drivers:
- Temporary Work Permit → PR
- First, get a job offer with LMIA.
- Work in Canada for 1–2 years.
- Apply for PR under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Some provinces directly invite truck drivers:
- Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Program
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
- Alberta Truck Driver Opportunities
- Atlantic Immigration Program (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia)
- Express Entry (Low Skill Stream) – While trucking is not traditionally under NOC TEER 0/1/2, some categories qualify with experience and employer support.
Step 5: Responsibilities of a Truck Driver in Canada
If you are applying for truck driver jobs in Canada for foreigners, you must understand the daily responsibilities:
- Driving safely across cities, provinces, or international routes.
- Following Canada’s hours-of-service regulations (max driving hours per day).
- Loading/unloading goods (depending on job type).
- Completing vehicle inspection reports.
- Following safety rules for dangerous goods (Hazmat).
- Delivering goods on time and in good condition.
- Communicating with dispatchers and customers.
Step 6: Career Growth – From Driver to Owner-Operator
Many truck drivers in Canada start with company jobs but later move to become owner-operators.
- Company Driver: Earns $50k–$75k per year.
- Owner-Operator: Buys or leases a truck → can earn $100k–$250k annually before expenses.
- Some specialize in ice-road trucking, mining haul trucks, hazmat trucking → earning six figures.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts on Truck Driver Salary in Canada
When we look at the truck driver salary in Canada, one thing becomes crystal clear — it’s more than just a job; it’s a stable and rewarding career choice with endless opportunities. Whether you are a newcomer looking to immigrate to Canada for truck driving jobs, or a Canadian resident wanting to build a career in the logistics and transportation sector, the average truck driver salary in Canada (CAD $50,000–$70,000 per year) makes it a highly attractive option.
At the same time, truck driving is not for everyone. It comes with pros and cons. The advantages include:
- Competitive salary compared to car drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers.
- Job security due to the ongoing shortage of truck drivers in Canada.
- The chance to travel across provinces and even the United States.
- Opportunity to grow into higher-paying roles such as long-haul driver, owner-operator, or fleet manager.
The disadvantages include:
- Long working hours and time away from family.
- Physically and mentally demanding responsibilities.
- Weather challenges, especially in winter.
- Initial costs of licensing and training.
Still, for many, the high truck driver demand in Canada, strong salaries, and immigration-friendly policies outweigh the negatives.
Future Outlook: Is Truck Driving in Canada Worth It?
The future of truck driving jobs in Canada looks very bright. Canada has an aging workforce, and thousands of drivers are expected to retire over the next decade. This opens up opportunities for both new Canadian workers and foreign skilled immigrants to step into the trucking industry.
With the rise of e-commerce, international trade, and growing demand for goods transportation, the need for qualified truck drivers will remain high. Some estimates suggest that Canada may face a shortage of over 50,000 truck drivers by 2028.
This directly means:
- Truck driver salaries in Canada will continue to rise.
- Employers will offer more benefits, flexible schedules, and bonuses.
- Immigration pathways for truck drivers will become even more favorable.
Why Choose Truck Driving in Canada?
To sum it up, if you’re considering a career as a truck driver in Canada, you’re choosing a field with:
✅ High salaries compared to other driving jobs.
✅ Strong demand across all provinces and territories.
✅ Clear immigration pathways for foreign workers.
✅ Long-term career growth opportunities.
If you have the discipline, patience, and love for the road, becoming a truck driver in Canada could be your gateway to a secure, well-paying, and rewarding lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Average truck driver salary in Canada: CAD $50,000–$70,000 annually.
- Owner-operators can earn over CAD $100,000 per year.
- Car/taxi drivers earn much less (CAD $30,000–$40,000 annually).
- Bus drivers make around CAD $45,000–$55,000 annually.
- Top-paying provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia.
- High demand for long-haul and Class 1/A licensed drivers.
- Future outlook: Positive, with rising demand and salaries.
So, are you ready to hit the Canadian highways and build a successful trucking career?
With the right training, licenses, and dedication, the journey to becoming a well-paid truck driver in Canada is wide open!