How Much is a Truck Driver’s Salary?
The salary of a truck driver can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of truck, the company, location, experience, and certifications. In this article, we will explore the average salary of a truck driver and provide an overview of the various factors that can affect their compensation.
Average Salary of a Truck Driver
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,500 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from $25,000 to $70,000 or more per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Factors Affecting Truck Driver Salaries
Here are some of the key factors that can affect a truck driver’s salary:
Type of Truck
There are several types of trucks, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements. Here are some of the most common types of trucks and their average salaries:
- Class A CDL drivers: These drivers operate tractor-trailers and can earn an average annual salary of $55,000 to $70,000.
- Class B CDL drivers: These drivers operate straight trucks and can earn an average annual salary of $40,000 to $60,000.
- Class C CDL drivers: These drivers operate smaller trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,011 pounds or less, and can earn an average annual salary of $30,000 to $50,000.
Company
The type of company a truck driver works for can also have a significant impact on their salary. Here are some of the average salaries for truck drivers by company type:
- Private fleets: These are companies that operate their own trucking fleets, and truck drivers can earn an average annual salary of $40,000 to $60,000.
- For-hire fleets: These are trucking companies that haul goods for other companies, and truck drivers can earn an average annual salary of $45,000 to $65,000.
- Owner-operators: These are independent truck drivers who own their own trucks and can earn an average annual salary of $50,000 to $100,000.
Location
The location where a truck driver is based can also affect their salary. here are some of the average salaries for truck drivers by region:
- Northeast: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Southeast: $45,000 to $65,000 per year
- Midwest: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- West Coast: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
- Southwest: $45,000 to $65,000 per year
Experience and Certifications
More experienced truck drivers and those with specialized certifications can earn higher salaries. Here are some of the average salaries for truck drivers by level of experience:
- Entry-level: $30,000 to $45,000 per year
- Experienced: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Senior drivers: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
- Certified drivers: $55,000 to $75,000 per year
Certifications and Specializations
Some truck drivers may choose to obtain specialized certifications or designations, such as:
- Certified Transport Professional (CTP): This designation is offered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and can increase earning potential by 10-20%.
- Certified Driver Instructor (CDI): This designation is offered by the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) and can increase earning potential by 5-10%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary of a truck driver can vary greatly depending on the type of truck, company, location, experience, and certifications. By understanding these factors, truck drivers can make informed decisions about their careers and potentially increase their earning potential.
Additional Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): www.bls.gov
- Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA): www.tianet.org
- National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS): www.napftds.org
Salary Table
| Average Annual Salary | Entry-Level | Experienced | Senior | Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | ||||
| $30,000 | ||||
| $35,000 | ||||
| $40,000 | ||||
| $45,000 | ||||
| $50,000 | ||||
| $55,000 | ||||
| $60,000 | ||||
| $65,000 | ||||
| $70,000 |
Note: The salary ranges are approximate and based on national averages.