88M Transportation Specialist Salaries by State: CDL, Logistics & Regional Earning Analysis
Complete salary analysis for 88M transportation specialists by state, CDL driver earnings, and logistics management earning potential
88M Transportation Specialist: State Salary Comparison & Analysis
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
88M Transportation Specialists earn highest salaries as truck drivers in high-demand states or logistics managers in major metros. Commercial Driver (CDL) salaries: $55,000-$85,000 nationally, $75,000-$100,000+ in high-demand states (California, Texas, New York). Logistics manager salaries: $90,000-$140,000+ in major metros (Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta). Wyoming/Montana/Idaho highest truck driver pay ($70,000-$95,000) due to remote location premiums. Texas combines strong logistics opportunity with no state income tax. California highest nominal salaries but extreme cost-of-living offsets benefit. Strategic state/role selection impacts 20-year earnings by $600,000-$1,200,000+ accounting for cost-of-living and tax differences.
Truck Driver Earnings by State
Highest Paying States for Truck Drivers
California
- Salary: $75,000-$90,000
- Cost of living: +60%
- Net advantage: Minimal after cost
- 5-year earning: $375,000-$450,000
- Net after cost: $210,000-$280,000
Texas (No State Income Tax)
- Salary: $70,000-$85,000
- Cost of living: +10-15%
- Tax savings: +$12,000-$15,000/year
- 5-year earning: $350,000-$425,000
- Net after cost/tax: $365,000-$450,000 (excellent)
Wyoming/Montana/Idaho (Remote Premium)
- Salary: $70,000-$95,000 (highest physical pay)
- Cost of living: -5 to +5%
- Remote/hazard premium: Often +$5,000-$10,000
- 5-year earning: $350,000-$475,000
- Net after cost: $345,000-$475,000 (best net)
New York
- Salary: $75,000-$88,000
- Cost of living: +40-45%
- Union advantage: Often stronger
- Net after cost: $270,000-$330,000
Logistics Manager Salaries by State
Major Metropolitan Logistics Opportunity
Texas (Dallas/Houston)
- Logistics Manager: $95,000-$135,000
- No state income tax
- 5-year potential: $475,000-$675,000
- Net after cost/tax: $485,000-$710,000 (best overall)
Illinois (Chicago)
- Logistics Manager: $100,000-$140,000
- Near-national cost of living
- 5-year potential: $500,000-$700,000
- Net after cost: $500,000-$710,000
Georgia (Atlanta)
- Logistics Manager: $95,000-$130,000
- Below-national cost of living
- 5-year potential: $475,000-$650,000
- Net after cost: $485,000-$675,000
Strategic Recommendations
Highest Earning Path (Truck Driver): Wyoming/Montana/Idaho (best net, highest physical pay)
Best Career Path (Logistics Management): Texas (highest earning + no state income tax)
Best Balance: Texas CDL driver transitioning to logistics manager within 3-5 years
Conclusion
88M Transportation Specialists should consider state selection carefully. Wyoming/Montana/Idaho offer best net truck driver earnings. Texas logistics management combines strong salary with no state income tax advantage. 20-year earnings difference by state selection: $600,000-$1,200,000+.
Key Takeaway: Texas CDL driver: $350,000-$425,000 (5-year net after cost/tax). Wyoming: $345,000-$475,000 (net). Texas logistics manager: $485,000-$710,000 (net). Strategic state and role selection critical.