What Is the Average Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driving provides a unique lifestyle. You can enjoy the freedom of the open road, the flexibility of choosing when you want to start and stop your day, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference in your community and the world. With truckers being as important as ever to our society, this is a great career choice, and the average truck driver’s salary is probably higher than you think.
At Driving Academy, our team of instructors can help you get the proper truck driver training you need to embark on this exciting career. We’re based in Linden, NJ, and have locations across the country. Here, we take a closer look at what you can expect when it comes to truck driver pay.
A Look at an Average Truck Driver Salary
In the United States and around the world, truck drivers are the backbone of commerce. They help get all sorts of goods from manufacturers to stores and residences for consumers to enjoy. Because of the recent truck driver shortage, these jobs are in high demand. This has led to an overall increase in truck driver pay.
A wide range of factors will impact your overall pay, but truck drivers can expect competitive wages. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average pay for CDL truck drivers is $73,147 per year. Twelve states average even higher salaries, with Alaska topping the list at nearly $79,000 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the industry is in for 4% annual growth through 2032, which means there will be plenty of jobs available for qualified candidates.
What Impacts Truck Driver Salary?
While truck drivers, on average, make a generous wage, there are many ways that you can increase your earning potential. Some of these factors include:
Region
As previously discussed, some states will pay more than others. If you’re looking to maximize your salary, try searching for positions in states like Alaska, Oregon, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Washington, as they provide great money-making opportunities.
Type of Truck
Not surprisingly, the type of truck you drive will affect your salary. Different truck types provide different challenges, and these challenges typically mean higher salaries. Driving Academy provides students with the chance to get their Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or their Class B CDL, giving them plenty of options.
Class A CDLs allow holders to drive a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating over 26,000 pounds with a towed trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This license is for those looking to drive traditional tractor-trailers. Class B CDLs are for those looking to drive a single vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of over 26,000 pounds or with a towed trailer weighing up to 10,000 pounds. This license allows you to drive box trucks and delivery vehicles.
Type of Cargo
Not all goods are the same, and truckers who work with certain products are typically going to be looking at higher salaries. Because of the risks and careful driving involved, heavy haul drivers who haul oversized loads can expect higher wages on average. The same goes for those transporting refrigerator loads because they require a specialized truck. Those driving flatbed loads can also expect increased salaries because they will have to spend extra time tying down and covering materials.
Endorsements
Perhaps the most crucial factor for your pay will be the endorsements that you’ve acquired. The tank vehicle endorsement (N) allows you to operate a vehicle with a temporary or permanent tank attached. Tankers are used to haul liquid freight or bulk dry loads of things like grain and sand. The hazardous materials endorsement (H) allows you to haul gas, oil, and other potentially dangerous chemicals.
Passenger endorsements (P) let you operate vehicles that carry over a specific number of passengers, which may vary from state to state. There are also school bus endorsements (S) for those who already have obtained their passenger endorsement but wish to drive a school bus. This endorsement also requires a background check.
The Driving Academy Advantage
At Driving Academy, we provide students with flexible schedules, allowing them to join a full CDL course program or a half course geared for those who already have their commercial learner’s permit (CLP). We even offer a guaranteed CDL training program that allows you to take your road test as many times as needed until you pass. Some coursework is online, offering extra convenience.
Driving Academy also provides some of the latest technology available to help you learn. Aside from classroom learning and training behind the wheel, you’ll get to experience a virtual driving experience in our state-of-the-art simulators.
Enroll Today or Request More Information
With so many intriguing options when it comes to truck driving, it’s no surprise this profession is on the rise. Turn to the knowledgeable and highly experienced instructors at Driving Academy. We are headquartered in Linden, NJ, and we have locations nationwide with more coming soon.
We even provide easy payment plans to help you afford your education and job placement assistance to make it easy to find work after you’ve received your CDL. If you’re interested in enrolling or have any questions, call us today at 908-525-3609 or fill out our form.