Europe remains short of professional drivers, which keeps wages rising and makes the sector a realistic entry point for non-EU workers. Whether the advert says truck driver, lorry driver or HGV driver, your licence category, your routes and the collective agreement behind your contract decide the number on your payslip.
Truck Driver pay by country (gross, monthly)
Figures are typical 2026 gross ranges — actual pay depends on contract, region, shifts and collective agreements. EU minimum wages apply to foreign workers in full.
What changes the number
Licence category and experience matter most: a CE licence for articulated lorries plus an ADR certificate for dangerous goods can add several hundred euros a month over a basic C licence. Long-distance and international tours pay more than regional delivery.
Region matters too: pay around major logistics hubs is typically higher than in rural areas. Always check whether an advertised figure includes allowances, because per diems on international tours often add €400 – €800 a month, usually tax-free.
- CE licence plus ADR: typically a few hundred euros more per month
- International tours: per diems often add €400 – €800 a month
- Night, weekend and overtime supplements set by collective agreements
Gross vs net: what you actually keep
All figures on this page are gross, before tax and social contributions. At typical driver wage bands you keep roughly 65 – 75% net depending on the country, your tax class and family situation. A driver on €3,000 gross in Germany usually takes home around €2,000 – €2,200.
Per diems and travel allowances are often paid tax-free on top, which is why an Eastern European contract with heavy international allowances can leave competitive money in your pocket. Always compare net pay against local rent, not just the headline figure.
How foreign workers earn more
EU minimum wages and collective agreements apply fully to foreign workers, so you should never be paid less than a local colleague for the same job. The quickest raises come from a CE licence, the Code 95 professional qualification and extra certificates such as ADR.
Many non-EU drivers start in Poland, Lithuania or Romania to gain EU experience, then move to Germany, the Netherlands or Belgium, where similar work typically pays €800 – €1,500 more per month. Specialised freight such as tankers and refrigerated loads also pays above standard work, as does basic local language.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a truck driver earn in Germany in 2026?
Typically around €2,500 – €3,500 gross per month for CE drivers, depending on region, tours and the collective agreement. For a single driver that usually means roughly €1,900 – €2,400 net, with night and weekend supplements paid on top.
Which European country pays truck drivers the most?
Switzerland, at roughly €5,000 – €6,500 gross per month, followed by the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany at around €2,500 – €3,600. Remember that Swiss living costs are roughly double the EU average, so always compare net pay against rent.
Can non-EU citizens work as truck drivers in Europe?
Yes. Driver shortages mean many countries actively recruit non-EU drivers, often through employers in Poland or Romania that arrange work permits. You will need your licence exchanged or recognised plus the EU Code 95 qualification.
Are per diems paid on top of a truck driver salary?
On international routes, usually yes. Daily allowances for time away from base are common and often tax-free, adding roughly €400 – €800 a month. Always ask whether a quoted salary is base pay only or already includes allowances.
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