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What is an oil truck driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

The job of an oil truck driver is exactly what it sounds like--driving oil trucks. However, their job is not as easy as it may seem. Just like other types of truck drivers, an oil truck driver endures grueling hours on the road to ensure that their load is delivered to the destination safely and on time.

Aside from driving, an oil truck driver is also responsible for additional tasks like fueling the truck at designated stops, maintaining paperwork, and performing basic maintenance on the rig. Some oil truck drivers also operate oil tankers and forklift trucks, which require separate licensing.

An oil truck driver must have a high school diploma and a commercial driver's license to qualify for the role. Moreover, he/she or she must be physically and mentally fit in order to perform their duties safely. They must also have basic maintenance skills and be able to use basic computer programs for completing paperwork. On average, oil truck drivers make around $45,000 a year plus benefits and performance-based incentives. The job stability for an oil truck driver is great, and as they gain more experience, their salary goes up as well.

ScoreOil Truck DriverUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,469

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%

Asian 3.11%

Black or African American 11.11%

Hispanic or Latino 24.23%

Unknown 4.39%

White 56.43%

Gender

female 4.13%

male 95.87%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
1.4

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Oil truck driver career paths

Key steps to become an oil truck driver

  1. Explore oil truck driver education requirements

    Most common oil truck driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    44.1 %

    Bachelor's

    18.2 %

    Associate

    17.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific oil truck driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL20.74%
    DOT14.46%
    Safety Regulations11.64%
    Hazmat10.46%
    Routine Maintenance9.70%
  3. Complete relevant oil truck driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New oil 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 an oil truck driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real oil truck driver resumes.
  4. Research oil truck driver duties and responsibilities

    • Use of PPE require at all times.
    • Work oil & load oilCheck station levels & unload.Mask up with pure air on H2S batteries
    • Follow all hazmat regulations and precautions to prevent any dangerous situations.
    • Used QUALCOMM system for communications and perform self-routing in order to make on time deliveries.
  5. Prepare your oil truck driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your oil 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 an oil 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 oil truck driver resume templates

    Build a professional oil 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 oil truck driver resume.
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
    Oil Truck Driver Resume
  6. Apply for oil truck driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an oil truck driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first oil truck driver job

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Average oil truck driver salary

The average oil truck driver salary in the United States is $48,469 per year or $23 per hour. Oil truck driver salaries range between $29,000 and $78,000 per year.

Average oil truck driver salary
$48,469 Yearly
$23.30 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do oil truck drivers rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

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3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Oil truck driver reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency

Cons

I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Pros

i have experience in that line. it is best line for my future life

Cons

i need 8 hours sleep but if i did not like to sleep how i can get fresh for driving


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

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.

Cons

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.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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