What Driver/Sales Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Driver/Sales Workers this way: "Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Collect money from customers, make change, and record transactions on customer receipts"; "Listen to and resolve customers' complaints regarding products or services"; "Inform regular customers of new products or services and price changes"; "Drive trucks to deliver such items as food, medical supplies, or newspapers"; "Record sales or delivery information on daily sales or delivery record".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Driver/Sales Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 442,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 478,100 in 2035, an increase of 35,200 jobs (+7.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 45,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 7.3% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,770, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Driver/Sales Workers earn the most
Across the 12 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $35,722 in Texas to $45,109 in California, a gap of $9,387 (1.26 times). 6 of those 12 states average above the BLS national median of $38,770 and 6 average at or below it.
Texas employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 39,660, which is 15.3% of the 259,310 counted across them. California follows with 33,860.
Highest-paying states
California ($45,109), New York ($43,943) and New Jersey ($42,616) lead the ranking, while Texas ($35,722) and West Virginia ($36,780) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Driver/Sales Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 13 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $12,582. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $4,679 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 8 of the 13 markets and falls short in 5. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 39.2% and 90.4% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Driver/Sales Workers
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers and Light Truck Drivers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (53-3000) include Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity, Bus Drivers, School and Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs.
Frequently asked questions about Driver/Sales Workers
How much do Driver/Sales Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,770. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $35,722 to $45,109.
Which state pays Driver/Sales Workers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $45,109. New York is next at $43,943.
Is Driver/Sales Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 45,500 openings a year.
What education do Driver/Sales Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Driver/Sales Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $12,582 on a median wage of $40,490.