Highest-Paying Truck Driver Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of truck drivers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of truck drivers:

• Truck Driver-Over-The-Road is the highest-paid type of truck driver with an average salary of $69,158 and an average hourly rate of $33.25.

• The second highest-paying type of truck driver is company driver, with an average salary of $65,430.

• The average truck driver salary is $60,326 per year, and the average hourly pay is $29.00.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a truck driver, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of truck drivers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of truck drivers:

1. Truck Driver-Over-The-Road

   Average Salary: $69,158

   A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is a professional driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.

2. Company Driver

   Average Salary: $65,430

   A company driver helps an organization with all transport-related duties and ensures that these are carried out on time. Company drivers transport and deliver goods, equipment, products, and staff members to locations required by the organization. They maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles and are responsible for informing the organization about repairs and maintenance. Company drivers must also obtain the appropriate licenses and should have clean driving records with no accidents and traffic violations.

3. Commercial Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $64,512

   A commercial truck driver is primarily in charge of transporting and delivering cargo, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities include driving for long durations, coordinating with logistics staff, handling documentation, and maintaining the safety of cargo. There are also instances where they must liaise with clients, unload and load cargo, and keep records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a commercial truck driver, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks on vehicles and adhere to the traffic laws and regulations for a safe and productive work environment.

4. Truck Driver Class A

   Average Salary: $63,270

   The responsibilities of a Truck Driver Class A mainly revolves around driving heavy vehicles and ensuring that all transported goods meet the expected delivery deadlines and quality. The Driver needs to have a Class A license and be emotionally and physically healthy to qualify. Among the duties of a Truck Driver Class A will also revolve around securing and monitoring the quantity and quality of items, maintaining the vehicle in good condition, abide by the traffic rules and regulations, adhere to the company standards and policies, and have precise coordination with every workforce involved.

5. CDL Driver

   Average Salary: $63,112

   A CDL driver is responsible for the transportation of goods from the manufacturing warehouse to specific store locations. CDL drivers’ duties include inspecting the items before and after the delivery to ensure that the orders are correct with the right quantity, providing proof of delivery from the receiving customers, following the delivery schedule and report any delays immediately, monitoring the vehicle’s engine for efficiency, and escalating concerns of incorrect deliveries and defective items. A CDL driver must have excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills, following safety procedures and road rules at all times.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various truck driver that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Truck Drivers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for truck drivers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Truck Driver Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid truck driver job?

   The highest-paid truck driver job is a truck driver-over-the-road. Truck Driver-Over The Roads earn an average salary of $69,158, which is $ 33.25 hourly.

   A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is a professional driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.

2. What is a good salary for a truck driver?

   A good salary for a truck driver is $60,326 or more. The average truck driver salary is $60,326, so those making at least $60,326 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average truck driver salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a truck driver, the average entry level salary is $47,794, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $60,326 average, as this includes all truck drivers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Truck Driver jobs pay well?

   Yes, truck driver jobs pay well. As in any industry, some truck driver jobs pay better than others, but the average truck driver salary of $60,326 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many truck driver jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of truck drivers earning $74,405 a year on average.

   Truck Drivers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a truck driver. Do your research on the going rate for a truck driver in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do truck drivers get paid the most?

   Truck Drivers get paid the most in Kentucky. In Kentucky, truck drivers earn an average annual salary of $68,557 and an average hourly wage of $32.96.

   Following KY, the states with the highest-paid truck drivers are Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Delaware, with average annual salaries of $68,232, $67,338, and $70,901 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid truck driver salaries are:

   1. Wilmington, DE – $70,911

   2. Newark, NJ – $70,053

   3. New York, NY – $69,973

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.