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What is a diesel truck driver and how to become one
Avg. Salary $43,702
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.82%
Asian 3.77%
Black or African American 11.59%
Hispanic or Latino 23.18%
Unknown 4.65%
White 55.98%
Genderfemale 0.43%
male 99.57%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
Diesel truck driver career paths
Key steps to become a diesel truck driver
Explore diesel truck driver education requirements
Start to develop specific diesel truck driver skills
Skills Percentages CDL 18.73% Cranes 14.65% OTR 13.57% Hand Tools 13.37% Hoists 8.40% Complete relevant diesel truck driver training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New diesel truck drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a diesel truck driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real diesel truck driver resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed diesel truck driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed diesel truck driver in most of states. 13 states require diesel truck drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Arkansas Specific course required State exam required Commercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver) California - State exam required Commercial Driver License Idaho - State exam required Commercial Drivers Massachusetts - State exam required COMMERCIAL DRIVERS Missouri - State exam required Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Research diesel truck driver duties and responsibilities
- Complete delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning say paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
- Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.
Prepare your diesel truck driver resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your diesel truck driver resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a diesel truck driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable diesel truck driver resume templates
Build a professional diesel truck driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your diesel truck driver resume.
Apply for diesel truck driver jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a diesel truck driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first diesel truck driver job
Are you a diesel truck driver?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average diesel truck driver salary
The average diesel truck driver salary in the United States is $43,702 per year or $21 per hour. Diesel truck driver salaries range between $32,000 and $59,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do diesel truck drivers rate their job?
Diesel truck driver reviews
I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency
I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy
i have experience in that line. it is best line for my future life
i need 8 hours sleep but if i did not like to sleep how i can get fresh for driving
Actually earn enough money to support your family. You can work however & whenever you choose to work as long as you pick up & deliver on time.
You can make enough money to support your family but you will not be a very big part of that family. Not family oriented, always gone. Missing out on your family's life.
Updated January 8, 2025
