The median annual salary for delivery drivers in 2024 was $42,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, data from Zippia published in 2026 suggests drivers can earn up to $62,000 depending on location and experience. What’s more, the United Parcel Service (UPS) reports that the average overall compensation package for a full-time UPS package delivery driver is $145,000.
For those who like working independently and being behind the wheel, a career as a UPS driver could be a good fit. Keep reading for a breakdown of how much UPS drivers can earn and what this role entails.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• UPS package delivery drivers earn significantly more than the national minimum wage.
• Delivery drivers can work on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Salaries vary by location and experience.
• A clean driving record and the ability to lift a certain weight are the main job requirements.
• This job suits people who enjoy driving and working independently.
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What Are UPS Drivers?
UPS drivers pick up and deliver packages on a designated driving route for UPS, a global package delivery and logistics company. They can have local or long-haul routes that include stops at residential and business addresses. You may well be familiar with the brown UPS trucks arriving and departing from your home or workplace.
Being a UPS driver can be a good option for introverted people, since much of the day is spent solo, though there can be some social interaction when dropping off packages and getting signatures for them. Obviously, a UPS driver will need to be comfortable behind the wheel, driving in heavy traffic and unknown locations, and ensuring that parcels get from point A to point B within deadlines.
In terms of qualifications, you will likely need to be at least 21 years old, have a valid noncommercial driver’s license, a clean driving record, and be able to physically move packages of up to 70 pounds. If you have these qualifications, being a UPS driver can be a well-paying job that doesn’t require a college degree.
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How Much Do Starting UPS Drivers Make a Year?
If someone is new to working as a UPS driver, they shouldn’t expect to earn a top salary just yet. The entry-level pay for a full-time UPS delivery driver is approximately $23.00 per hour and $21.00 per hour for part-time. These figures are well above the national minimum wage.
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What Is the Average Salary for a UPS Driver?
You’re probably curious about how much a UPS driver can make annually or on a salary vs. hourly rate. The average hourly pay for UPS drivers can range from $19.56 to $30.05, depending on the state. The table below illustrates how UPS delivery drivers’ average annual and hourly pay can vary by state.
What Is the Average UPS Driver Salary by State for 2026
| State | Average UPS Annual Salary | Average UPS Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $62,505 | $30.05 |
| Maryland | $61,709 | $29.67 |
| Nebraska | $60,422 | $29.05 |
| Virginia | $59,629 | $28.67 |
| New York | $59,560 | $28.63 |
| Delaware | $57,768 | $27.77 |
| New Hampshire | $57,620 | $27.70 |
| Oklahoma | $56,158 | $27.00 |
| California | $55,951 | $26.90 |
| Massachusetts | $55,194 | $26.54 |
| Vermont | $54,335 | $26.12 |
| Hawaii | $90,774 | $22.95 |
| Wyoming | $53,284 | $25.62 |
| Idaho | $52,592 | $25.28 |
| Connecticut | $51,960 | $24.98 |
| Maine | $51,899 | $24.95 |
| West Virginia | $51,761 | $24.89 |
| Rhode Island | $51,216 | $24.62 |
| Texas | $50,950 | $24.50 |
| Alaska | $50,914 | $24.48 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,885 | $24.46 |
| New Jersey | $50,597 | $24.33 |
| Montana | $50,538 | $24.30 |
| Nevada | $50,513 | $24.29 |
| North Dakota | $50,498 | $24.28 |
| Arizona | $50,017 | $24.05 |
| Indiana | $49,697 | $23.89 |
| Minnesota | $49,294 | $23.70 |
| Tennessee | $49,247 | $23.68 |
| Wisconsin | $49,032 | $23.57 |
| South Dakota | $49,023 | $23.57 |
| Ohio | $48,890 | $23.50 |
| Oregon | $48,264 | $23.20 |
| Utah | $48,259 | $23.20 |
| Georgia | $48,251 | $23.20 |
| Louisiana | $47,806 | $22.98 |
| South Carolina | $47,733 | $22.95 |
| Colorado | $47,552 | $22.86 |
| Kansas | $47,541 | $22.86 |
| Alabama | $47,122 | $22.65 |
| Iowa | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| New Mexico | $46,586 | $22.40 |
| Florida | $45,476 | $21.86 |
| Kentucky | $45,448 | $21.85 |
| Arkansas | $44,646 | $21.46 |
| Michigan | $44,626 | $21.45 |
| Mississippi | $44,537 | $21.41 |
| Illinois | $44,403 | $21.35 |
| Missouri | $43,694 | $21.01 |
| North Carolina | $40,675 | $19.56 |
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UPS Driver Job Considerations and Benefits
A job as a UPS driver can appeal to those who have not earned a college degree and those who enjoy driving. However, this can be a physically demanding job given that you are behind the wheel and carrying packages all day, and it may be stressful to be in traffic or dealing with the pressures of getting packages to their destination. Many workers, however, will enjoy the independence.
Along with receiving a salary, UPS drivers also gain access to valuable employee benefits. This table highlights the current benefits for full-time UPS drivers.
| Health Care | Paid Time Off | Retirement |
|---|---|---|
| $0 premiums | Up to seven weeks vacation, plus an average of 18 days for holidays, sick leave, and option days | Defined benefit pension plan |
Pros and Cons of a UPS Driver’s Salary
There aren’t any notable cons associated with the UPS driver salary. These roles are in high demand and often regarded as having competitive pay and great employee benefits. The main questions may be whether the job suits a particular employee’s needs and if they enjoy the challenges of the job, such as driving all day.
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The Takeaway
The average full-time delivery driver in the US makes around $42,000 a year, while UPS package delivery drivers average $40,000 to $62,000. UPS salaries vary by location and experience. In addition to pay, UPS drivers gain access to valuable employee benefits such as employer-sponsored health care, paid time off, and a pension plan. These benefits can help people balance their budget and enjoy a good quality of life, personally and financially.
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FAQ
Can you make 100K a year as a UPS driver?
Yes, it may be possible to make $100,000 or more a year as a UPS driver, depending on where you work, how long you have been on the job, and what your specific role is. UPS drivers earn good salaries, and on average, full-time drivers earn a compensation package of up to $145,000, according to UPS.
What factors influence UPS driver pay?
UPS driver pay can vary based on what state you work in, your level of seniority, and your particular role. Depending on your position, other factors may include hours worked, the route type, and your qualifications.
Do people like being UPS drivers?
Many people enjoy being a UPS driver due to the independent and consistent nature of the work. Those who prefer to spend their days on their own versus working on a team could enjoy this role.
Is it hard to get hired as a UPS driver?
Because UPS drivers earn good salaries and have robust benefits packages, these can be competitive roles to land. That said, UPS hires drivers across the country, so there are many job opportunities with this company.
Is it worth becoming a UPS delivery driver?
Being a delivery driver sometimes involves lifting heavy packages. This, together with sitting in the same position while driving all day, can make it a physically demanding job. However, UPS benefits can make it worthwhile.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/sturti
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