How to hire an operator and truck driver

How to hire an operator and truck driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step operator and truck driver hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an operator and truck driver job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new operator and truck driver
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an operator and truck driver do?

Post an operator and truck driver job for free, promote it for a fee

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your operator and truck driver job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an operator and truck driver for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an operator and truck driver to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an operator and truck driver that fits the bill.

   This list presents operator and truck driver salaries for various positions.

   Type of Operator And Truck Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Operator And Truck Driver	Heavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more	$60-238
   Driver/Owner Operator	Driver/owner-operators are self-employed commercial truck drivers who operate trucks to transport goods for their customers. Most of these operators started working as drivers for trucking companies to gain experience and decide if it's the right career path for them... Show more	$33-200
   Equipment Operator	Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • OTR
   • DOT
   • Hazmat
   • Customer Service
   • Dump Truck
   • Safety Procedures
   • Load Trucks
   • Backhoe
   • Dozer
   • Straight Truck
   • Front End Loader
   • Water Truck
   • Industrial Cleaning

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate farm equipment completing tasks such as tilling, planting, mowing, and fertilizing.
   • Transport domestic, ocean, air-freight and various types of hazardous materials for Midwest LTL and OTR carrier.
   • Perform all duties according to FMCSA.
   • Drive a non CDL truck to deliver slabs to fabricators.
   • Operate dump truck hauling asphalt, move heavy equipment from work sites
   • Comply with hours of service regulations as it pertains to FMCSA.

   More operator and truck driver duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your operator and truck driver job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An operator and truck driver salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for an operator and truck driver in Texas may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level operator and truck driver usually earns less than a senior-level operator and truck driver. Additionally, an operator and truck driver with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average operator and truck driver salary

   $250,847yearly

   $120.60 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level operator and truck driver salary

   $126,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average operator and truck driver salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Oregon	$283,079	$136
   2	Minnesota	$281,314	$135
   3	Wisconsin	$271,453	$131
   4	Nevada	$266,265	$128
   5	Nebraska	$263,689	$127
   6	New Hampshire	$260,492	$125
   7	Kansas	$260,028	$125
   8	Iowa	$257,990	$124
   9	Oklahoma	$257,318	$124
   10	California	$257,043	$124
   11	Arizona	$256,280	$123
   12	Colorado	$255,477	$123
   13	Ohio	$255,317	$123
   14	Missouri	$255,306	$123
   15	Kentucky	$253,750	$122
   16	Connecticut	$251,743	$121
   17	Mississippi	$251,142	$121
   18	New Jersey	$250,535	$120
   19	Tennessee	$249,412	$120
   20	Michigan	$245,722	$118

   Average operator and truck driver salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	York	$307,411	$147.79	7
   2	A & A	$302,840	$145.60
   3	Midwest Refrigerated Services	$295,156	$141.90
   4	RJW Transport	$292,811	$140.77
   5	Steak 'n Shake	$289,380	$139.13	34
   6	Clean Harbors	$289,013	$138.95	69
   7	Roadrunner Transportation Systems	$287,455	$138.20
   8	Geodis Wilson USA Inc	$287,116	$138.04	6
   9	Pace Logistics	$284,326	$136.70
   10	EnviroVac	$281,203	$135.19	14
   11	Recruiting Solutions	$280,291	$134.76
   12	Moran Environmental Recovery	$280,148	$134.69	13
   13	Colas USA	$278,527	$133.91	10
   14	Walther Farms	$278,090	$133.70
   15	Kennedy Industries	$278,088	$133.70
   16	Vortex Companies	$278,088	$133.70	8
   17	Sky View	$278,088	$133.70	4
   18	Synagro	$278,044	$133.68	18
   19	Schneider	$277,785	$133.55
   20	Veho	$276,944	$133.15	6

4. Writing an operator and truck driver job description

   A good operator and truck driver job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an operator and truck driver job description:

   Operator and truck driver job description example

   To apply, simply TEXT INSITUFORM to 25000 and our virtual assistant Olivia will connect you with our hiring team today.
   Hiring Vacuum Excavation Jetvac Truck Driver Operator Immediately in Bridgewater, MA!
   
   Limited time $5,000 Sign-On Bonus opportunity for all new hires with a valid CDL license! Sign-on bonuses for new hires without a current CDL license are also available at a reduced amount. New employees who meet the criteria outlined in our sign-on bonus program will be eligible for the full payout.
   
   Starting pay is dependent upon experience. Work on Government projects will be compensated at an adjusted prevailing wage.
   
   Why You’ll Love Working For Us: Competitive salary Daily per diem while traveling 100% covered individual hotel room stays while traveling Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage 401k matching Tuition assistance Paid time off and overtime pay Company paid PPE, boots, and safety gear Career growth opportunities Work for a forward-thinking and innovative company Ecological footprint - We are rehabbing the world’s infrastructure, one pipe at a time, with minimal disruption to people’s daily routines, with little waste
   The Vacuum Excavation Jetvac Truck Driver Operator is responsible for the operation, care, and maintenance of all types of jet vac and hydro excavation trucks and services. We provide an extensive training program allowing operators the opportunity for success.
   
   Take the next step in your career with a worldwide company that values, develops and empowers its employees to maximize their potential! Insituform Technologies LLC , an Aegion company, is a leading provider of cured-in place pipe (CIPP) and other services that have been protecting pipeline systems for more than 45 years. We are industry pioneers that deliver cutting-edge technologies and expertise to strengthen and maintain critical infrastructure – and communities – across the globe. Join our team to help keep infrastructure working better, safer and longer for customers throughout the world! Apply with us today!
   
   What You’ll Do: Operate jet vac and hydro excavation trucks through the course of a job using high pressure water and vacuum systems for cleaning and excavations Work includes but is not limited to hydro excavating to pothole, trench and locate utilities, and also jet flush city sewers, storm sewers and farm lines along with vacuuming of car wash pits and farm pits Maintain equipment and keep it clean inside and out Follow all company policies Effectively read maps/prints Ability to work alone or as part of a team Document all services performed on the job Mechanically inclined - conduct minor repairs to equipment
   What We Need From You: Must possess a Class A or B CDL with both Tanker and Air Brake endorsements, and be aligned with Insituform’s motor vehicle standards Previous heavy equipment experience is preferred Valid driver’s license required with clean motor vehicle report Able to pass work physical, drug test, and background check Comfortable working outside at job sites with moving vehicles and mechanical operations, with occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles Ability to lift/move up to 75 pounds and use pneumatic, battery powered or electric tools Comfortable entering manholes and work in confined spaces Ability to travel to bordering States as needed Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills Effective timekeeping and time management skills
   Aegion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Aegion is firmly bound. Aegion will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with Aegion on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
   VEVRAA compliant – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right operator and truck driver for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with operators and truck driver they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit operators and truck driver who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your operator and truck driver job on Zippia to find and recruit operator and truck driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit operators and truck driver, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new operator and truck driver

   Once you have selected a candidate for the operator and truck driver position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new operator and truck driver first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an operator and truck driver?