Highest-Paying 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 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 drivers:

• Company Driver is the highest-paid type of driver with an average salary of $65,430 and an average hourly rate of $31.46.

• The second highest-paying type of driver is truck driver class a, with an average salary of $63,270.

• The average driver salary is $34,771 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.72.

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 driver, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of drivers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of drivers:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Haul Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $60,932

   Haul Truck Drivers are skilled professional drivers. They are licensed to drive around heavy vehicles such as trucks. They usually travel long distances to deliver goods from one place to another. They should be able to meet delivery time expectations. As such, Haul Truck Drivers should have good time management skills. They should also have the presence of mind while driving and must obey all traffic rules. They should know the best routes to take for each particular trip. They must also ensure that their trucks are well-maintained. Haul truck Drivers should be strong enough to assist in loading up the truck or reloading the content.

5. Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $60,326

   The truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.

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

Highest-Paying Types Of 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 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 Driver Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid driver job?

   The highest-paid driver job is a company driver. Company Drivers earn an average salary of $65,430, which is $ 31.46 hourly.

   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.

2. What is a good salary for a driver?

   A good salary for a driver is $34,771 or more. The average driver salary is $34,771, so those making at least $34,771 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average 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 driver, the average entry level salary is $31,699, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $34,771 average, as this includes all drivers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Driver jobs pay well?

   No, driver jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some driver jobs pay better than others, but the average driver salary of $34,771 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many driver jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of drivers earning $42,891 a year on average.

   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 driver. Do your research on the going rate for a driver in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do drivers get paid the most?

   Drivers get paid the most in Iowa. In Iowa, drivers earn an average annual salary of $38,851 and an average hourly wage of $18.68.

   Following IA, the states with the highest-paid drivers are Vermont, Oregon, and Michigan, with average annual salaries of $42,781, $40,433, and $37,482 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid driver salaries are:

   1. Boston, MA – $42,446

   2. New York, NY – $41,242

   3. Seattle, WA – $40,732

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.