Heavy Truck Driver in San Angelo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where San Angelo Stands

If you're looking at heavy truck driving in San Angelo, let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for Heavy Truck Drivers here is $51,640/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.83/hour. This is actually slightly below the national average of $53,090/year, but the cost of living here makes that paycheck stretch much further than in most metro areas.

The job market is stable but not booming—there are 388 jobs in the metro area, with a modest 10-year job growth projected at 4%. This isn't the explosive growth you might see in major logistics hubs like Dallas or Houston, but it's consistent. San Angelo's economy is anchored in agriculture, military, and regional distribution, which keeps a steady demand for drivers who know how to handle everything from livestock trailers to flatbeds hauling oilfield equipment.

Here's how salaries break down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent	Notes for San Angelo
Entry (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.23 - $23.08	Often starts with local/regional routes; expect longer hours to hit target pay
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.08 - $26.44	Where most drivers fall; median sits here with steady regional work
Senior (8-15 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25	Specialized loads (oilfield, hazardous) or trainer roles boost pay
Expert (15+ years)	$65,000 - $75,000+	$31.25 - $36.06+	Owner-operators, dedicated fleet managers, or terminal supervisors

Compared to other Texas cities, San Angelo's pay is competitive when you factor in living costs:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median $54,000 but average 1BR rent is $1,400+
• Houston: Median $53,500 with similar rent pressures
• Lubbock: Median $50,800—very comparable to San Angelo but with fewer ag/farm-related opportunities
• Abilene: Median $51,200—sister city with overlapping job pools

The key takeaway: You'll make slightly less than a driver in Dallas, but your housing costs here are 34% lower (based on the Cost of Living Index of 90.9 vs. US average 100). That makes the net financial picture often better for drivers with families or those looking to save.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's run the numbers for a driver earning the median $51,640/year. After federal taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction), Social Security, and Medicare, take-home pay is roughly $40,000-$42,000/year, or about $3,300-$3,500/month. Texas has no state income tax, which helps.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for Median Earner:

• Take-home pay: $3,400/month
• Rent (1BR average): $927/month
• Utilities (electric, water, gas): $150/month
• Groceries: $350/month
• Gas/Transportation (for personal vehicle): $200/month
• Car Insurance: $120/month
• Health Insurance (if not employer-provided): $250/month
• Miscellaneous/Leisure: $300/month
• Savings/Debt Payment: $1,103/month left over

This budget shows that a single driver earning the median can live comfortably, save, and even tackle debt. For drivers with families, the math changes—childcare and larger housing needs eat into the surplus quickly. But compared to national averages, San Angelo offers real breathing room.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, with planning. The median home price in San Angelo is around $220,000. With a 10% down payment ($22,000) and a 30-year mortgage at 7%, monthly payments would be about $1,350 (including taxes and insurance). That's manageable on a $51,640 income, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many local drivers purchase homes in the $180,000-$250,000 range in neighborhoods like Belle Meadow or Southland, where property taxes are moderate. Insider tip: Look for homes within 10-15 minutes of I-35 or US 67—commutes are short, and insurance rates are lower due to lower traffic density.

Where the Jobs Are: San Angelo's Major Employers

San Angelo's heavy trucking jobs are tied to its economic pillars: agriculture, military, and regional distribution. Here are the key local employers, with details on their hiring trends and what it's like to drive for them:

1. Cactus Feeders (Agribusiness) - Based in nearby Amarillo but with a major feed yard and distribution hub in San Angelo. They hire drivers for livestock haulers and feed trucks. Pay starts around $23-$26/hour with steady, seasonal peaks during harvest. Hiring is consistent but competitive; they prefer drivers with 2+ years of experience and clean driving records.

2. San Angelo Army Depot (Military Logistics) - Part of the U.S. Army's logistics network, this facility hires civilian drivers for base operations and supply runs. Jobs are stable but require security clearance. Pay is at the high end ($28-$32/hour) with excellent benefits. Hiring cycles are tied to federal budgets; check USAJobs.gov for postings.

3. Southwest Truck & Equipment (Local Fleet) - A major dealer and maintenance hub for trucks in the region. They employ drivers for local deliveries and test drives. It's a good entry point for newer drivers; pay is around $22-$25/hour. Hiring is frequent due to turnover in service roles.

4. West Texas Feed & Seed (Agricultural Distribution) - Hauls feed, fertilizer, and seeds to farms across the Concho Valley. Drivers often run regional routes (100-300 miles). Pay is $24-$28/hour with overtime during planting season. They value local knowledge of rural roads and weather patterns.

5. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of San Angelo (Beverage Distribution) - Covers a large territory from San Angelo to Abilene. Drivers handle route trucking with daily returns home. Pay is $23-$26/hour with regular schedules. Hiring is steady; they often promote from within to warehouse roles.

6. L.T. Walker Construction (Heavy Construction) - Hauls materials for local road and infrastructure projects. Work is seasonal but pays well ($25-$30/hour) due to demand for specialized equipment. Hiring spikes during spring and summer construction seasons.

7. Pilot Flying J Travel Center (Fuel & Logistics) - Located off I-35, this is a major employer for local and regional drivers. They hire for fuel hauling and warehouse roles. Pay starts at $24/hour with shift differentials. High turnover means frequent openings, but it's a foot in the door for new arrivals.

Hiring Trends: Local employers are looking for drivers with clean records (no major violations in 5 years), CDL-A with tanker or hazmat endorsements, and flexibility for regional routes. There's a growing need for drivers who can handle ag-specific loads (livestock, grains) and those familiar with the area's rural road networks. Military-related jobs are the most stable but hardest to get into due to clearance requirements.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas makes getting your CDL straightforward, but costs and timelines add up. Here's the step-by-step:

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 (21 for interstate driving)
• Pass a physical exam (DOT medical card) - $100-$150
• Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) - $25 (written test)
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) - $4,000-$7,000 at local schools like San Angelo College’s CDL program or private schools like Roadmaster Drivers School in Abilene (45-minute drive)
• Pass skills test (pre-trip, basic control, road test) - $115 for CDL issuance

Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Study for CLP, get medical card
• Week 3-4: Attend ELDT (3-4 weeks full-time)
• Week 5-6: Practice skills, schedule test at DPS office (San Angelo has a CDL testing site on Sherwood Way)
• Total: 6-8 weeks from start to CDL in hand, assuming no retakes.

Insider Tip: San Angelo College’s program is more affordable ($4,500) and includes job placement assistance with local employers. For veterans, the GI Bill can cover training costs. Always verify endorsements—most local jobs require Tanker (N) or Hazmat (H) endorsements, which add $100-$200 in testing fees but boost pay by $1-$3/hour.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

When choosing where to live in San Angelo, prioritize quick access to major highways (I-35, US 67, US 87) and proximity to employers. Here are four neighborhoods that balance commute, lifestyle, and cost:

1. Southland (Southwest San Angelo)

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to I-35 and major employers like Cactus Feeders.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, family-friendly with good schools. Easy access to grocery stores and the San Angelo Nature Center for off-duty downtime.
   • Rent Estimate: $850-$1,000/month for 1BR; homes start at $180,000.
   • Why it works: Low traffic, safe, and central to agribusiness hubs.

2. Belle Meadow (Central San Angelo)

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown and the Army Depot; 15 minutes to I-35.
   • Lifestyle: Established neighborhood with parks and older, affordable homes. Close to shopping and restaurants on Austin Street.
   • Rent Estimate: $900-$1,100/month; homes $200,000-$250,000.
   • Why it works: Central location minimizes commute times to most job sites.

3. Bentwood (North San Angelo)

   • Commute: 10 minutes to US 67 and the airport area where many logistics companies are based.
   • Lifestyle: Newer subdivision with modern homes and sidewalks. Near the San Angelo Country Club for recreation.
   • Rent Estimate: $950-$1,200/month; homes $220,000-$300,000.
   • Why it works: Quick access to highway routes for regional driving jobs.

4. East San Angelo (Near I-35)

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to I-35 and Pilot Flying J.
   • Lifestyle: Mixed residential and commercial; some noise from highway but unbeatable for drivers who want minimal commute.
   • Rent Estimate: $800-$950/month; homes $170,000-$220,000.
   • Why it works: Literally next door to major trucking routes and fuel stops.

Insider Tip: Avoid areas too far west or north of US 67—commutes can stretch to 20+ minutes during peak times due to sparse roads. Always check employer locations before signing a lease; many drivers prefer renting for the first 6 months to learn the job and area before buying.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In San Angelo, career growth for heavy truck drivers isn't about vertical leaps in a single company—it's about specialization and adding value over time. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums: Adding endorsements pays off. Hazmat (H) and Tanker (N) can bump hourly pay by $2-$4/hour. For example, a driver with $24.83/hour base could reach $28/hour with endorsements. Local agribusinesses (like West Texas Feed & Seed) often pay premiums for drivers who can handle livestock or grain hoppers, adding $1-$2/hour.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Route Driver → Dispatcher/Logistics Coordinator: After 3-5 years, move into planning routes for companies like Coca-Cola or local fleets. Pay jumps to $55,000-$65,000/year with regular hours.
  2. Regional Driver → Owner-Operator: With experience and savings, buy your own truck and contract with local shippers. Net income can reach $70,000-$90,000 after expenses, but it requires business savvy.
  3. Trainer/Instructor: After 10+ years, teach at San Angelo College’s CDL program or private schools. Pay is $25-$30/hour with summers off—ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
  4. Fleet Manager: Oversee a local fleet (e.g., for L.T. Walker or a small distributor). Requires knowledge of maintenance and regulations; salary starts at $60,000+.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth, opportunities will remain stable but competitive. Drivers with clean records, endorsements, and local knowledge will thrive. The rise of e-commerce may increase last-mile delivery jobs, but ag and military logistics will remain core. Insider tip: Network at the San Angelo Truckers Association meetings (held monthly at the local VFW) to learn about unadvertised gigs.

The Verdict: Is San Angelo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (Index: 90.9) means your $51,640 salary goes far	Limited job variety—mostly ag, military, and regional routes
Short commutes (10-15 minutes typical) and minimal traffic stress	4% job growth is modest; fewer opportunities for rapid advancement
Stable employers like the Army Depot and agribusinesses offer steady work	Hot summers (100°F+) can make driving uncomfortable; A/C is a must
Strong community with family-friendly neighborhoods	Isolated location—80+ miles to larger cities (Abilene, Midland) for variety
No state income tax and affordable homeownership	Limited nightlife—quiet after 9 PM if that matters to you

Final Recommendation: San Angelo is an excellent choice for heavy truck drivers who prioritize stability, low living costs, and a manageable lifestyle over high-speed career growth or urban excitement. It's ideal for mid-career drivers with families, veterans transitioning into civilian driving, or those looking to buy a home on a modest income. If you're young and hungry for top-tier pay or diverse routes, consider starting here to build experience, then move to Dallas or Houston after 2-3 years. For most, though, San Angelo offers a balanced, sustainable career in trucking.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new CDL holders in San Angelo?
A: Moderately competitive. With 388 jobs and 4% growth, there's steady demand, but employers prefer 1-2 years of experience. New CDL holders should target local companies like Southwest Truck & Equipment or Coca-Cola for entry-level roles. Persistence pays off—apply directly and follow up.

Q: Do I need specialized endorsements for most jobs here?
A: Not always, but they help. Many ag jobs (livestock, grain) require Tanker (N), while hazmat is needed for certain chemical or fuel hauls. Start with a basic CDL-A; add endorsements as you gain experience. It costs $100-$200 each but boosts employability.

Q: What's the typical work schedule like?
A: Varies by employer. Local route drivers (e.g., Coca-Cola) often work 10-12 hour days, home nightly. Regional drivers might be out 2-4 days. Military and ag jobs can have seasonal peaks but offer regular schedules. Always ask about hours during interviews.

Q: How does San Angelo's weather impact driving?
A: Summers are hot (100°F+), so reliable A/C is essential. Winters are mild but can bring ice storms—4WD or tire chains help for rural routes. Dust storms are rare but occur; experienced drivers know to pull over. Overall, weather is manageable compared to northern states.

Q: Can I live here without a personal vehicle?
A: It's tough but possible. Public transit is limited, and many job sites are in industrial areas. A personal vehicle is recommended for commuting and grocery runs. If you're on a tight budget, consider a roommate to split costs in Southland or East San Angelo.

*Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Workforce Commission, San Angelo College CDL Program, local employer postings (2023-2024), and Cost of Living Index data from