Taxi Driver salary in New York
Taxi Drivers in New York earn a median of $41,570 a year ($19.98 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $35,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,100 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $42,100. New York ranks 4th of 24 states for taxi drivers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. The average (mean) salary is $41,030, close to the median.
Pay range for taxi drivers in New York
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,470 | $17.05 |
| 25th percentile | $36,030 | $17.32 |
| Median | $41,570 | $19.98 |
| 75th percentile | $42,100 | $20.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,100 | $20.24 |
| Average (mean) | $41,030 | $19.73 |
Half of taxi drivers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,464.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,732.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,598.85 |
| Weekly | $799.42 |
| Hourly | $19.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for taxi drivers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $48,740 |
| Nevada | $44,800 |
| Colorado | $43,490 |
| New York | $41,570 |
| New Hampshire | $41,510 |
| California | $39,260 |
| Missouri | $37,560 |
| Oregon | $37,120 |
| Maine | $36,960 |
| North Carolina | $36,950 |
Related jobs in New York
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| Light Truck Driver | $46,330 | $22.27 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $56,640 | $27.23 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $42,730 | $20.54 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $44,160 | $21.23 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $84,480 | $40.61 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $38,950 | $18.72 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,030 | $18.76 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $44,630 | $21.46 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $67,300 | $32.36 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $39,390 | $18.94 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $49,030 | $23.57 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $37,260 | $17.91 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in New York
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-3054. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi driver make in New York?
The median salary for taxi drivers in New York is $41,570 a year, or $19.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,470 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid taxi drivers make in New York?
The top 10% of taxi drivers in New York earn at least $42,100 a year. The top 25% earn $42,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for taxi drivers in New York?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,470 a year, and a quarter of taxi drivers earn $36,030 or less.