{"id":18428,"date":"2023-08-07T08:03:01","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T15:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=18428"},"modified":"2025-03-10T07:46:01","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T14:46:01","slug":"how-much-does-a-truck-driver-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/resources\/how-much-does-a-truck-driver-make","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Truck Driver Make?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck driver salaries vary depending on factors like job type, experience, and certifications. Whether you&#8217;re new to the industry or an experienced driver, understanding what influences your pay is essential. This article explores the different types of truck driving jobs, salary ranges for new and veteran drivers, and the impact of factors like specialty hauling and location. Learn how to maximize your earning potential and discover how tools like DAT\u2019s load board can help you find the most profitable loads, ensuring you secure the highest truck driver salary possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Truck driver salary overview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Glassdoor, the average truck driver salary in the U.S. falls between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/truck-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$62,000 and $100,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but of course, this can vary per trucker. Trucker salaries are often split between three main components:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Base pay can be measured by truck driver salary per hour or per mile for hauling each load.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck driver pay may also include any specialized pay for events like detention or layovers, which creates drivers idle without any loads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bonuses can often amount to the largest portion of annual take home income for drivers. Common bonuses include sign-on, safety, monthly mileage, fuel efficiency, referral, and DOT inspection bonuses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the type of driving or the distance covered on a typical trip, truck driver salaries can also vary. For example, Glassdoor cites that the average yearly pay for an over-the-road (OTR) driver ranges from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/otr-truck-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$76,000 to $129,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while owner-operators earn an average yearly salary of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ziprecruiter.com\/Salaries\/Owner-Operator-Truck-Driver-Salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$228,575<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to ZipRecruiter. Of course, exact numbers will depend on your experience level, state of employment, freight types, company size, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Truck driver salary: New vs. experienced drivers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you might expect, holding all other factors equal, new truck drivers earn less money relative to their more experienced counterparts. A brand new truck driver with less than one year of experience will earn, on average, $18 per hour. This lower wage typically isn\u2019t actually a wage for driving in itself, but instead training pay. That\u2019s because most drivers will need to progress through a truck driving school for <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/how-to-become-a-truck-driver\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and licensure before they can formally get on the road. During this training period, most schools pay a flat, low weekly rate of $18 per hour to each driver trainee, which will be the entirety of the driver\u2019s salary for that period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After completing your training and becoming fully licensed, your actual pay will become dependent on the type of job you take on\u2014and whether or not you decide to become an independent owner-operator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more experienced you are as a truck driver, the more you naturally stand to make on average. That is especially true for those that earn certifications along the way. Certifications are a great way to distinguish yourself and can provide an accelerated pathway for you to start earning significant money in a few short years. Another good tip for increasing annual pay when first starting out is to pursue mileage-based jobs instead of hourly jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Comparing small vs. large company truck driver salaries<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the surface, there is no real difference between the salaries of truck drivers working at small vs. large companies. But that doesn\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t other factors to consider when deciding which type of company will be best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the one hand, smaller companies naturally generate fewer discretionary funds that can be passed on to drivers. It\u2019s also not uncommon for smaller companies to want drivers to work as independent contractors\u2014a significant distinction that transfers the entire tax burden to the driver instead of the company. On the other hand, smaller companies in the midst of an active growth cycle usually invest more resources towards developing their own drivers. This provides an opportunity to gain greater exposure to senior management, owners, and other stakeholders in the trucking industry, which can lead to significant personal growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Larger trucking companies, meanwhile, typically have more discretionary income. Sometimes those additional funds can make their way to drivers, but it\u2019s entirely dependent on each company\u2019s philosophy. Some large companies might impose standard driver pay rates and rates corresponding to certifications and experience in the business. Others might offer free or deferred-payment training initiatives, relocation opportunities, or clear pathways to management\u2014but once again, this varies from company to company. In other words, large companies have also been found to offer less training, pay lower flat rates, and cycle through high employee turnover more than small companies in some cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every trucking company, small or large, is different in how they operate. And every trucker is different in terms of what they value most. Make sure you do your due diligence and prioritize what matters most to you before you rule certain companies in or out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How much do OTR truck drivers make?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTR (over-the-road) trucking is the most conventional form of truck driving. OTR drivers usually operate alone or in a two-person team to trek long distances on the road. These <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/how-to-find-long-haul-trucking-loads\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long hauls<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can often keep OTR drivers on the road for up to four weeks at a time. In order to become an OTR trucker you will need to earn either a <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/differences-between-cdl-vs-non-cdl-licenses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Class A, B, or C CDL license<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> depending on the specific equipment you end up operating. OTR trucker salaries are usually based on some combination of mileage (cost per mile) and bonuses. OTR drivers that pickup a HAZMAT endorsement along the way stand to benefit from a further uptick in pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, the average OTR truck driver salary amounts to anywhere between $76,000 to $129,000, but the average salary for OTR drivers in their first year is around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/otr-truck-driver-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$57,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Although OTR drivers usually primarily operate in the continental US, they may cross into Canada or Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While OTR truck drivers can make a sustainable living, it\u2019s still critical to always consider the costs that cut into your paycheck. For one, OTR drivers must be aware of the federally mandated hours of service limitations that cap how much you can drive in a day or week. Other factors that can seriously affect OTR pay include delays\u2014also known as detentions in the trucking space\u2014weather conditions, and substandard road maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Average truck driver salary for owner-operators<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best ways to earn a significant bump in annual pay as a truck driver is to <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/how-to-become-an-owner-operator\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">become an owner-operator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In fact, the average U.S. owner-operator makes nearly $229,000 in annual salary\u2014a significant bump compared to the top average of $129,000 earned by OTR drivers. But beware\u2014there are some catches to consider. That\u2019s because owner-operators\u2019 salaries are entirely dependent on their net revenue (how much yearly revenue they bring in minus their yearly expenses), meaning that number can fluctuate significantly from one owner-operator to another and even from one year to another.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salaries also depend on whether you\u2019re a leased-on or an independent owner-operator. Leased-on operators work under the authority of a carrier, meaning they often have more predictable income but less earning potential since they share revenue with the carrier. According to Glassdoor, these owner-operators can earn anywhere between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/lease-on-owner-operator-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C23.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$151,000-$282,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, independent owner-operators are under their own authority, giving them the potential to earn more but also exposing them to greater risks and higher expenses. On average, independent owner-operators make around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/owner-operator-driver\/salaries\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$333,264 a year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, according to Indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since owner-operators are essentially running their own business, there are myriad expenses that can pile up, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost of purchasing or leasing a truck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuel costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Annual maintenance fees and taxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer acquisition costs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are certain tricks of the trade that savvy owner-operators can deploy to maximize revenue and minimize expenses, more net revenue still ultimately means a larger year-end tax bill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line when considering whether to become an owner-operator is understanding that the entire set of responsibilities for jump-starting and sustaining your business falls on you. Depending on your sales skills, drive, and other circumstances, taking on these responsibilities can either prove to be a boon or a bust.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How do freight types and vehicle types affect truck driver salary?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a lot of different types of freight and vehicles to choose from. The type of vehicle you operate and the freight loads you take on play a big role in determining your take-home pay even before taking into account all the other considerations we\u2019ve discussed. Holding all else equal, though, we\u2019ve provided a brief overview on how the different freight loads affect driver pay:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>LTL<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/ltl-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LTL (less-than-truckload) freight<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a load that isn\u2019t large enough to fill an entire truck. While Volume LTL freight has minimum size requirements, there are no minimum size requirements for traditional LTL freight. Most carriers therefore combine these smaller loads from a number of shippers to ensure a full truckload. Since LTL rates vary, truck drivers use load boards like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dat.com\/one\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAT One<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to identify the most valuable LTL loads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flatbed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 For unusually shaped or sized items, flatbed truck drivers tow flat, open trailers instead of enclosed trailers. <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/flatbed-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flatbed loads<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can provide added difficulties for the driver because the driver must ensure the load remains secured and unaffected by any adverse weather. Because of these tasks, which demand specific skill sets, flatbed drivers can expect higher pay compared to some other freight. Much like LTL loads, flatbed drivers turn to load boards to source the <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/flatbed-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best flatbed freight<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dry van<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Dry van trailers refer to rolling boxes that contain no climate control. Shippers will typically turn to this more cost-effective shipping method for nonperishable freight. Keep in mind there is typically a high supply of <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/dry-van-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry van loads<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can put a ceiling on driver pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reefer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 A reefer is a <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/refrigerated-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">refrigerated trailer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> most commonly used for perishable goods that must be kept cold or frozen. Maintaining reefer trucks can become more complex compared to dry vans because of the onboard cooling system involved. But more complexity means higher rates for truckers, which means it can be worthwhile.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heavy haul<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"\/solutions\/heavy-haul-load-board\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy haul freight<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to overweight or oversized loads. Specialized equipment, licensing, and certifications are all required in order to haul these loads. As a result of the extra steps involved, heavy hauls can be some of the most lucrative loads for truckers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hot shot<\/b> \u2014 Hot shot truckers transport smaller loads (but still larger than LTL). Instead of staying on standby, the best way to find hot shot freight is through on-demand load boards like DAT One. Since <a href=\"\/solutions\/hot-shot-load-board\">hot shot loads<\/a> are usually time-sensitive, shippers are often willing to pay a premium to ensure on-time delivery, resulting in high driver pay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How much do CDL drivers make?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technically, you need a CDL (commercial driver\u2019s license) for any trucking job. Even though it\u2019s not recommended, some companies may still choose to hire drivers who only possess regular driver\u2019s licenses for certain jobs. If an accident occurs, however, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/careers\/veterans\/commericial-motor-vehicle-driver\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Department of Transportation (DOT)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will undoubtedly check to see whether you should have possessed a CDL to legally carry out the job. The penalties can be damaging if they determine that you should have maintained a CDL for the specific job at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s also a significant disparity in pay between CDL and non-CDL drivers even if they were to never get into an accident. Non-CDL jobs tend to not pay well compared to CDL jobs with the data showing that CDL truck driver salaries are substantially higher, even during the early portion of your career. In this context, it absolutely makes sense to pursue a CDL license as soon as you decide on pursuing a trucking career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All it takes to obtain a CDL license is to go through truck driving school. Oftentimes the fees for your schooling aren\u2019t required upfront. And once you earn your license, you now become eligible for better-paying, perfectly legal CDL trucking jobs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Highest truck driver salaries by state<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck driver salaries are influenced by local, regional, and state-driven supply and demand forces. A dedicated driver that exclusively works for one company can not only enjoy more time at home and focus on a single route, but also earn more than the average truck driver, with pay in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Regional drivers who work in a specific part of the country, on the other hand, usually only get to return home every week or two, and can expect to make a lower salary. Pay for regional drivers usually approaches anywhere from $37,840 to $56,249 per year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we\u2019ve noted the different factors that also go into driver pay, such as company type, pay structure (hourly vs. mileage), variable bonuses, and equipment type, after accounting for these aforementioned inputs, some states still pay more than others. If you\u2019re open to considering relocation options, understanding the most lucrative states for truckers becomes important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the most recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/2023\/may\/oes533032.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis in 2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the states where truck drivers earn the most are, in order:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alaska<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New Jersey<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">D.C.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New York<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>How to achieve the best truck driver salary<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaking into the trucking industry can be both rewarding and challenging, with many factors influencing your potential income. From the type of driving jobs you choose to the certifications you earn, the decisions you make early in your career can set the foundation for achieving the best truck driver salary possible. It&#8217;s crucial to stay informed about market conditions and continuously seek out ways to maximize your earnings, whether through niche hauling, bonuses, or becoming an owner-operator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At DAT, we provide <\/span><a href=\"\/carriers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tools and resources<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help you navigate these choices and secure the highest truck driver salary possible. Our extensive freight network gives you access to thousands of loads every day, helping you find the most profitable opportunities. With the right approach and support, you can take control of your trucking career and thrive in this competitive industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re a new driver or an experienced operator, keeping your goals in focus and utilizing the right resources is key to long-term success.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Find quality loads from trusted partners with DAT<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While calling every shipper or broker to find loads can be time-consuming and tedious, securing the best loads with DAT is easy! You can quickly filter through thousands of loads to find the most profitable ones that help you achieve the highest truck driver salary possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get started with the <\/span><a href=\"\/load-boards\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAT load board today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take control of your earning potential!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re thinking about entering the trucking industry for the first time, one key question is likely on your mind: How much do truck drivers make? Many factors\u2014many within your control\u2014affect your salary, including the type of driving job, certifications, endorsements, and specialty hauling. Experience, location, and the company you work for also play a role. To get an accurate picture of what you can expect to earn, let\u2019s examine average truck driver salaries based on key factors that influence pay.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":18454,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":{"contentType":"13","enable_arrow_icon":"hide","featured":"0","releaseDate":"August 7, 2023","solutionProduct":[],"segment":"carrier","segment_copy":["carrier"],"topics":[],"keywords":"","video_link":"","audio_link":"","header_button_shortcode":"[dat_menu_flyout_centered  button_text = \"Get Started\"  text1=\"Buy Loadboard\" link1=\"\/load-boards#pricing\"  icon1=\"fa-truck-moving\"  text2=\"Try a Demo\" link2=\"https:\/\/cloud.comms.dat.com\/sales-inquiry-Truckersedges-demo\"  icon2=\"fa-cube\" target2=\"_blank\" text3=\"Request Info\" link3=\"https:\/\/cloud.comms.dat.com\/sales-inquiry-loadboards\"  icon3=\"fa-headset\" target3=\"_blank\" ]","button_label":"Read More","internalUrl":"","button_target":"_parent","secondary_optional_buttonheader":null,"button_label__detail_page_optional":"","button_link_detailsub_page_bottom_section":"","featured_image_detailsub_page_optional":"","pricing_box":[{"header_title":"DAT Load Board","price_prefix":"From $","price":"[TE_STANDARD]","price_suffix":"\/mo","features":"","button_text":"Find Loads","button_link":"\/load-boards#pricing","additional_info":"<a href=\"\/load-boards\">Learn more<\/a>","target":"_parent"}],"disclaimer":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Much Does a Truck Driver Make - DAT<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out how much truck drivers make and learn what factors can affect their paycheck. 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