HGV Driver Salary UK: What the Latest Data Shows

If you are looking for the most reliable picture of hgv driver salary uk, the best place to start is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The 2025 provisional release, based on April 2025 pay periods, gives a median gross annual salary of £39,141 for full-time large goods vehicle drivers (Standard Occupational Classification 8211). The corresponding median hourly rate (excluding overtime) is £16.25.

These figures are the official benchmark, but they hide a wide spread. The lowest-paid 10% of HGV drivers earn around £24,708 per year (hourly £13.25), while the top 10% earn £52,634 (hourly £21.75). That range reflects differences in experience, vehicle class, employer type, and location.

Regional Differences in HGV Driver Pay

Location matters a great deal. ASHE 2025 regional data shows:

• London: median annual £41,474, median hourly £17.15
• East of England: £40,611 annual, £16.52 hourly
• East Midlands: £40,551 annual, £16.25 hourly
• South West: £39,568 annual, £16.21 hourly
• South East: £39,535 annual, £17.00 hourly
• West Midlands: £39,285 annual, £16.99 hourly
• Yorkshire and The Humber: £38,316 annual, £15.64 hourly
• Scotland: £38,032 annual, £16.26 hourly
• North West: £37,616 annual, £16.48 hourly
• Wales: £37,476 annual, £15.50 hourly
• North East: £37,083 annual, £15.31 hourly

London’s premium is clear, but the South East and West Midlands also offer above-median hourly rates. Drivers in the North East and Wales see the lowest median pay. Note that some regional percentiles are marked as ‘x’ in the ASHE tables due to small sample sizes, so treat these as indicative.

Seniority and Vehicle Class: The RHA Pay Report 2026

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) publishes an annual Pay Report based on a survey of its members. The 2026 edition (covering 2025/26 pay data) gives a more granular look at hourly rates by licence class and experience level. Key findings:

• Class C+E (articulated lorry): median hourly rate £15.05, average £15.48, upper quartile £16.25
• Class C (rigid lorry): median £14.50, average £14.78, upper quartile £15.54
• Class C1 (up to 7.5 tonnes): median £13.05, average £13.60
• Class B (up to 3.5 tonnes): median £12.50, average £13.04

The RHA report also records average weekly hours: 55 for artic drivers, 49 for rigid, 48 for C1, and 45 for van drivers. These hours are often higher than the standard 37.5–40 hour week used in many salary calculators, so converting hourly rates to annual pay requires careful attention to actual contracted hours.

Converting Hourly HGV Rates to Annual Salary

A simple rule of thumb is: annual salary ≈ hourly rate × weekly hours × 52 weeks. For example, at the national median hourly rate of £16.25 and a 40-hour week, that gives £33,800 per year. But many HGV drivers work 45–55 hours, pushing annual pay higher. Using the RHA median for artic drivers (£15.05) and 55 hours: £15.05 × 55 × 52 = £43,034 – close to the ASHE median.

Remember that overtime is often paid at a premium (time-and-a-half or double time), and night-out allowances or bonus payments can add thousands. The ASHE annual figure includes some overtime but not all allowances. Always check your contract and use our salary data to compare rates.

National Living Wage and Minimum Wage Context

The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over rose to £12.21 in April 2025 and will increase to £12.71 from April 2026. For a 40-hour week, that equates to roughly £26,437 per year. Most HGV driver roles pay well above the NLW, but entry-level van or C1 positions may be close to it. The RHA report notes that the NLW increase puts upward pressure on the lowest driver rates.

Overtime, Allowances, and Total Compensation

Base hourly rates are only part of the picture. The RHA Pay Report 2026 shows that average gross weekly pay for artic drivers is £883 (based on 55 hours), which works out to about £45,916 annually. For rigid drivers, average weekly pay is £741 (49 hours), or £38,532 annually. These totals include basic pay plus overtime but exclude subsistence allowances (e.g., overnight payments). Many firms also offer shift premiums, weekend rates, and bonus schemes.

Using This Data for Your Job Search

When negotiating a salary or comparing job offers, look at the total package: hourly rate, guaranteed weekly hours, overtime rate, and any London weighting or regional allowances. The ASHE data gives a national benchmark, but the RHA survey reflects what employers are actually paying in the current market. For a personalised estimate, try our hourly calculator to see how different hours and rates affect your annual take-home pay.

Summary

The hgv driver salary uk landscape in 2025/26 shows a median annual pay of around £39,000, with significant variation by region, vehicle class, and experience. London drivers earn the most, while those in the North East earn the least. Articulated lorry drivers command higher rates than rigid or van drivers. Overtime and allowances can boost total earnings considerably. Always use official sources like ONS ASHE and industry surveys like the RHA Pay Report to stay informed.