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What is a semi truck driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a semi truck driver. For example, did you know that they make an average of $27.75 an hour? That's $57,712 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 90,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSemi Truck DriverUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,712

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 3.49%

Black or African American 11.88%

Hispanic or Latino 17.14%

Unknown 4.60%

White 62.11%

Gender

female 9.84%

male 90.16%

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

Semi truck driver career paths

Key steps to become a semi truck driver

  1. Explore semi truck driver education requirements

    Most common semi truck driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    40.1 %

    Associate

    20.9 %

    Bachelor's

    15.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific semi truck driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL42.25%
    DOT14.66%
    Log Book5.97%
    Asphalt5.62%
    OTR4.30%
  3. Complete relevant semi truck driver training and internships

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

    Becoming a licensed semi truck driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed semi truck driver in most of states. 13 states require semi truck drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    StateEducationExamLicense url
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredCommercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver)
    California-State exam requiredCommercial Driver License
    Idaho-State exam requiredCommercial Drivers
    Massachusetts-State exam requiredCOMMERCIAL DRIVERS
    Missouri-State exam requiredTruck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
  5. Research semi truck driver duties and responsibilities

    • Complete training to obtain CDL 'S
    • Handle multiple projects simultaneously under OSHA and Hazmat.
    • 45810419-759-2020Haul oversized loads, equipment hauling, OTR work.
    • Deliver aggregate and asphalt product to various job sites throughout Arizona.
  6. Prepare your semi truck driver resume

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

    Build a professional semi 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 semi truck driver resume.
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
    Semi Truck Driver Resume
  7. Apply for semi truck driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a semi 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 semi truck driver job

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Average semi truck driver salary

The average semi truck driver salary in the United States is $57,712 per year or $28 per hour. Semi truck driver salaries range between $38,000 and $86,000 per year.

Average semi truck driver salary
$57,712 Yearly
$27.75 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do semi truck drivers rate their job?

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Semi truck driver reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

Cinema

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope


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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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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