Post job

What is a water truck driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

The primary responsibilities of a water truck driver are to transport water to construction sites and oil rigs, deliver potable water to crews working in remote sites, and to use the water-spraying attachment on their truck to control dust on the roadways.

While this may vary dependent on region and employer, the minimum educational qualifications required to become a water truck driver are a G.E.D. or high school diploma, and the minimum age requirement generally falls anywhere from 21 to 25 years of age. Preference is given to drivers possessing a Class A or B CDL certification, and further preference will be given to drivers possessing prior commercial road experience, a clean driving record, and good written and verbal communication skills.

The reported average annual salary for a water truck driver is approximately $47,581. However, this figure can vary significantly depending upon academic qualification, having previous experience, and possession of the aforementioned skills.

ScoreWater Truck DriverUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $50,440

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 3.66%

Black or African American 11.35%

Hispanic or Latino 21.40%

Unknown 4.69%

White 58.10%

Gender

female 10.63%

male 89.37%

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

Water truck driver career paths

Key steps to become a water truck driver

  1. Explore water truck driver education requirements

    Most common water truck driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    49.5 %

    Associate

    14.8 %

    Diploma

    13.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific water truck driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL30.80%
    Asphalt11.51%
    Post-Trip Inspections5.28%
    DOT Regulations4.71%
    Construction Sites3.68%
  3. Complete relevant water truck driver training and internships

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

    Becoming a licensed water truck driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed water truck driver in most of states. 13 states require water 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 water truck driver duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize CDL by driving from fresh water pits, drilling rigs, frac jobs, mud farms to service clients.
    • Guide dump trucks while being fill with milling from asphalt.
    • Drive and operate water truck by watering soil cement foundation base and for asphalt.
    • Load oil .transport products using dot regulations.unload products at designate facilities.
  6. Prepare your water truck driver resume

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

    Build a professional water 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 water truck driver resume.
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
    Water Truck Driver Resume
  7. Apply for water truck driver jobs

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

Zippi

Are you a water truck driver?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average water truck driver salary

The average water truck driver salary in the United States is $50,440 per year or $24 per hour. Water truck driver salaries range between $35,000 and $70,000 per year.

Average water truck driver salary
$50,440 Yearly
$24.25 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do water truck drivers rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Water 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


profile
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 Jul 2020
Cons

Long hours


Working as a water truck driver? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse transportation jobs