How much does a truck driver earn in France? Sectoral pay in France

What is sectoral pay and how does it work in France?

First, let’s explain what sectoral pay is, which constitutes a key element of driver compensation in France and significantly affects their earnings. Let’s look at how this system works and what it means for truck drivers.

Definition of sectoral pay

Sectoral pay (Fr. rémunération sectorielle) is a wage system that goes beyond the standard minimum wage of a given country. It is based on collective agreements negotiated for specific industries. In France, road transport has its own collective agreement, which sets minimum hourly rates for C+E drivers depending on several factors:

• Work experience and professional experience;
• Type and weight of the vehicle driven;
• Nature of the work performed (e.g., night work, holidays);
• Professional qualifications.

It’s worth emphasizing that the collective agreement for road transport in France is regularly updated. The last significant change took place on October 11, 2023, and the rate adjustment for C+E drivers has been in effect since December 1, 2023.

Importance of sectoral pay in international transport

Sectoral pay is particularly important in the transport industry because transport companies employing truck drivers performing transport in other countries are obliged to pay them salaries in accordance with the law of the country of delegation.

In the case of Polish professional drivers performing transport in France (or another country), the employer is obliged to compensate for the difference in their salary, in accordance with French labor law (or the law of another country of delegation), if the driver’s salary is lower than the sectoral pay in France.

However, you can read more about sectoral pay in our article: Rules for calculating sector pay and the Mobility Package - How to correctly calculate sector pay?

Differences between SMIC and sectoral rates

SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance) is the French statutory minimum wage, which from January 1, 2024, is €11.65 per hour and applies nationwide to all industries. On the other hand, sectoral rates for drivers are always higher than the basic SMIC rate.

While SMIC is a uniform rate for all employees, the sectoral pay for C+E drivers is varied and dependent on many parameters. For example, even the lowest sectoral rate for drivers (€12.09/h) exceeds SMIC by €0.44 per hour.

Moreover, sectoral pay provides for systematic increases dependent on years of service. The national collective agreement guarantees salary increases of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% respectively after 2, 5, 10, and 15 years of work in the same company.

As a result, rates for drivers are categorized by vehicle type and weight. For example, drivers of trucks weighing more than 19 tons (category 138M) have higher rates than drivers of lighter vehicles.

Additionally, drivers performing cabotage (within France) and cross-trade (between two EU countries other than Poland) must receive compensation in accordance with French sectoral rates, unlike drivers performing transit or bilateral transport.

Current rates for truck drivers in France in 2025

Sectoral pay in France and French rates for professional drivers are subject to regular changes. In 2025, truck drivers can expect compensation significantly exceeding the statutory minimum wage, although the amount of earnings depends on several key factors.

Lowest hourly rate – €12.09

Since November 2024, the basic minimum wage in France (SMIC) is €11.88 per hour. However, applicable regulations for professional drivers provide for higher sectoral rates. Among these, the lowest hourly rate for truck drivers is currently €12.09.

This applies to drivers with less than 2 years of experience, driving vehicles up to 3.5 tons and trucks weighing up to 11 tons (categories 118M and 120M). It’s worth emphasizing that this rate slightly exceeds the statutory minimum, which is why trade unions are seeking to increase it.

Highest hourly rate – €14.71

At the opposite end of the pay scale are highly qualified tourist coach drivers (category 150V). With over 15 years of experience, they can expect a rate of €14.71 per hour.

This group primarily includes drivers of luxury coaches with at least 32 seats, working on long tourist routes lasting a minimum of 5 days.

What does a driver’s sectoral pay in France depend on?

Several factors have a significant impact on the amount of a truck driver’s earnings in France, and thus on the sectoral pay in this country. Among them, one can distinguish:

Vehicle category and work experience

Factors that affect a truck driver’s earnings in France include vehicle category and work experience. The system provides for regular salary increases of:

• 2% after 2 years of work;
• 4% after 5 years of work;
• 6% after 10 years of work;
• 8% after 15 years of work.

For example, a driver of a truck weighing more than 19 tons (category 138M) with 5 years of work experience will receive the basic rate increased by 4%.

Bonuses for work on Sundays and holidays

A truck driver’s earnings in France also include bonuses for work on Sundays and holidays. These amount to:

• €12.45 if the working time on Sunday/holiday is less than 3 hours;
• €28.94 if the working time on Sunday/holiday is 3 hours or more.

In the case of night work (between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM), an additional 20% of the reference hourly rate is due.

Type of vehicle and transported load

The sectoral pay of truck drivers in France also takes into account the type of vehicle and the type of load transported.

For example, truck drivers with ADR certifications for transporting dangerous materials earn significantly more than drivers of standard sets. Moreover, refrigerated truck drivers (6,500-8,000 PLN gross) and tanker drivers (7,000-9,000 PLN gross) receive higher salaries than those driving regular trailers (6,000-7,500 PLN gross).

Additionally, drivers of oversized loads can expect salaries exceeding 10,000 PLN gross. The greater the responsibility and the more specialized the load, the higher the salary.

We also encourage you to read our article: Types of International Road Transport

Type of transport: Cabotage, cross-trade, bilateral

The type of transport performed also differentiates earnings. Drivers performing:

• Cross-trade and cabotage transport are subject to French sectoral rates
• Bilateral transport are more often settled according to rates supplemented with bonuses

It should be emphasized that international long-distance routes, particularly on Scandinavia-Spain directions, bring the highest income. Primarily, this is due to greater responsibility and longer time spent on the road.

How to account for sectoral pay in France and avoid mistakes?

Proper accounting for sectoral pay in France is a challenge for many transport companies. Errors in salary calculations can lead not only to financial penalties but also to dissatisfaction among drivers. Therefore, it’s worth taking appropriate steps earlier, which can help employers avoid unpleasant consequences.

Expert support in accounting for truck driver working time

To properly account for drivers’ working time, it’s worth consulting specialists in this field or delegating this task to them. If you need support in this aspect, the Evotax team is here to help! Whether your truck drivers are conducting domestic or international transport, and sectoral pay needs to be considered!

All you need to do is contact us, indicate what the challenge is, and our team will take care of the rest!

The importance of proper driver assignment

The basis for proper calculation of sectoral pay in France is the correct assignment of the driver to the appropriate classification group, in accordance with the applicable regulations for drivers in France.

These categories differ depending on experience and the type of vehicle driven. Incorrect assignment results in improper salary calculation and potential penalties during inspections. It’s worth remembering that drivers with longer work experience receive correspondingly higher rates - an increase of 2% after two years of work, up to 8% after 15 years.

The role of CMR documents and tachographs

CMR documents and data from tachographs form the basis for sectoral pay settlements. However, in the absence of CMR documents, there is a possibility of accounting solely based on border crossing markers.

However, it should be remembered that in such a case, the system will not verify whether the driver is entitled to additional remuneration due to sectoral pay.

Truck driver earnings in France and sectoral pay - Summary

Truck driver earnings in France significantly exceed Polish standards, making work in this country a financially attractive option. Especially in a situation where professional drivers regularly perform transport in countries where remuneration is lower.

However, it should be remembered that sectoral pay based on collective agreements guarantees drivers rates higher than the French minimum wage (SMIC). Undoubtedly, this system appreciates professional experience, offering systematic increases after 2, 5, 10, and 15 years of work.

However, a truck driver’s earnings in France depend on many factors. On one hand, the vehicle category and type of load directly affect the hourly rate. On the other hand, the work system (3/1, 4/1) and the nature of transport (cabotage, cross-trade, bilateral) also play a key role in shaping the final amount of remuneration. Therefore, drivers specializing in the transport of dangerous materials or oversized loads can expect the highest rates.

It’s worth emphasizing that proper accounting for remuneration in accordance with French regulations requires meticulousness and knowledge of the sectoral pay system. Errors in this regard expose transport companies to financial penalties during inspections. Therefore, if any aspect of accounting for truck drivers’ working time in France raises questions, it’s worth consulting specialists, e.g., the Evotax team! If you need help, contact us, indicate what the challenge is, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Truck driver sectoral pay in France - Frequently asked questions

Truck driver earnings in France is a topic that interests many people who have questions about it. Below, we’ve gathered those we receive most often and provided answers. However, if you’re interested in an issue that hasn’t been included below, contact us, and our specialists will be happy to provide support!

What are the current hourly rates for truck drivers in France?

The lowest hourly rate for truck drivers in France is €12.09, while the highest can reach €14.71. The rate depends on the vehicle category, work experience, and type of transport performed.

Do C+E drivers in France receive bonuses for work on Sundays and holidays?

Yes, truck drivers in France receive bonuses for work on Sundays and holidays. These amount to €12.45 for work less than 3 hours or €28.94 for work 3 hours or longer on these days.

How does work experience affect a truck driver’s salary in France?

Work experience has a significant impact on remuneration. French law provides for a salary increase of 2% after 2 years of work, 4% after 5 years, 6% after 10 years, and 8% after 15 years of work in the same company.

What factors have the greatest impact on a truck driver’s earnings in France?

The main factors affecting earnings are: work experience, type of vehicle and transported load, work system (e.g., 3/1, 4/1), and type of transport performed (cabotage, cross-trade, bilateral).

Will a Polish driver in France earn more than in Poland?

Yes, a truck driver’s salary in France is usually higher than in Poland. The average monthly salary of a truck driver in France ranges from €2,200 to €3,000 gross, which is significantly higher than the average salary in Poland.