How Much Do Truck Drivers Make a Year?

Q: What factors affect a truck driver's salary?

Key factors include experience level, driving record, endorsements (such as Hazmat), freight type, route length, and whether the driver is a company driver or an owner-operator.

Q: How does pay differ between local and long-haul truck driving?

Local drivers often earn less overall but are usually home daily, while long-haul and OTR drivers often earn more due to longer routes and more time away from home.

Q: Are there opportunities for career growth in trucking?

Yes. Drivers can increase earnings by gaining experience, adding endorsements, moving into specialized freight, pursuing leadership roles, or becoming owner-operators.

Q: What is the job outlook for truck drivers?

Truck driving remains essential to the U.S. economy, and demand for qualified CDL drivers stays strong due to retirements, turnover, and ongoing freight needs.

Truck driver pay in the United States varies widely based on experience, job type, freight, and how you choose to work. Rather than a single “average” salary, trucking offers a range of income levels with clear opportunities to earn more over time. For many people entering a skilled trade, trucking provides a faster path to steady earnings than many traditional career paths.

Key Takeaways

The national average entry-level earnings range from mid-$40,000 to mid-$50,000, with room to grow
Truck driver pay varies widely based on experience, job type, and specialization
Oregon and Washington typically offer pay at or above national averages

Types of Trucking Jobs and Their Pay

Not all truck driving jobs are the same. Pay differences usually reflect time away from home, level of responsibility, and the type of freight being hauled.

Local vs. Regional vs. OTR

Local driving typically keeps drivers close to home with daily home time and predictable schedules. These roles often pay less overall but offer better work‑life balance. Annual earnings commonly range from $45,000 to $65,000.

Regional driving covers multi‑state areas and usually provides weekly home time. Because of longer routes and increased mileage, regional drivers often earn more than local drivers, commonly ranging from $60,000 to $75,000+ per year.

Over‑the‑road (OTR) driving involves long‑distance hauling across the country. OTR drivers spend extended time away from home but generally earn higher pay as a result. Many OTR drivers earn $65,000–$85,000 annually, with top earners exceeding $100,000.

Flatbed, Tanker, & Refrigerated Freight

Specialized freight typically pays more due to added skill, responsibility, and training requirements.

Flatbed drivers secure and transport oversized or uncovered loads and often earn more than dry van drivers
Tanker drivers haul liquid or bulk materials and are among the highest‑paid drivers due to safety and regulatory demands
Refrigerated (reefer) drivers manage temperature‑controlled freight and usually earn 10–20% more than standard dry van drivers

These roles often require additional endorsements, but they can significantly increase earning potential.

Company Driver vs. Owner‑Operator

How you work matters just as much as what you haul.

Company drivers are employees who earn steady pay while the trucking company covers major expenses like equipment, fuel, and insurance. This option offers more predictability and less financial risk.

Owner‑operators run their own business. While gross income can be much higher, owner‑operators are responsible for operating costs, maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Net income varies widely depending on expenses and freight rates.

Key Factors That Affect Truck Driver Earnings

Several factors play a major role in determining how much a truck driver can make each year.

Experience and Driving Record

Experience is one of the strongest predictors of higher pay. As drivers gain time on the road, they become more efficient, safer, and more valuable to employers. Drivers with clean driving records also qualify for higher‑paying jobs and better opportunities. Serious violations or repeated infractions can limit job options and earnings.

Endorsements and Certifications

Adding endorsements to a CDL can open the door to higher‑paying roles. Common endorsements that increase earning potential include:

Hazmat (H)
Tanker (N)
Doubles/Triples (T)
Combination Hazmat/Tanker (X)

Other credentials, such as TWIC cards, may also increase access to higher‑paying freight and routes.

Freight Type and Route Length

Pay often increases with responsibility. Hazardous materials, high‑value loads, and specialized freight usually pay more due to added risk and regulation. Longer routes also tend to offer higher total earnings, though some short routes pay premium rates to remain competitive.

How Truck Drivers Get Paid

Understanding how truckers get paid is crucial for planning your career path and maximizing your earning potential. Three main payment structures dominate the industry, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks that directly affect your weekly paycheck.

Cost Per Mile (CPM)

CPM represents the most common payment method in trucking – you earn a set rate for every mile you drive. Current rates typically range between $0.45 and $0.85 per mile depending on your experience and which carrier you work for. Let’s break down what this means: at $0.50 CPM covering 2,500 miles weekly, you’ll earn approximately $1,250 per week or $65,000 annually.

How companies calculate your miles matters more than you might think. They use three different methods:

Practical mileage: The most efficient route between pickup and delivery, tracked by satellite
Household Goods: Called “zip code miles,” this measures the shortest distance between postal zip codes
Hub Mileage: Your actual odometer reading, including every stop and detour

The catch with CPM? You’re not earning money while sitting in traffic, waiting to load, or dealing with delays. Your truck isn’t moving, your paycheck isn’t growing.

Hourly Rate

Hourly pay typically ranges from $20.00 to $35.00 per hour and shows up most often in local and regional positions. This structure works particularly well when you’re doing more than just driving – loading and unloading freight, interacting with customers, or making multiple stops throughout your day. At $25.00 per hour working 50 hours weekly, you’ll earn about $1,250 per week or $65,000 annually.

The beauty of hourly pay lies in its predictability, and is usually tied to local driving routes. Whether you’re stuck in downtown traffic or cruising down the interstate, you’re getting paid for every working hour, including loading time and unexpected delays. The trade off? Hourly positions typically cap your earning potential compared to long-haul mileage-based roles.

Percentage of Load

Percentage-based pay creates a direct partnership between you and your company’s success. Company drivers typically earn 20% to 35% of load revenue, while owner-operators command 70% to 85%. Here’s how it works: if your load generates $5,000 in revenue and you’re earning 30%, that’s $1,500 in your pocket.

This payment method aligns your interests with the company’s bottom line. Some companies report their company fleet averaging 27% of linehaul revenue. Percentage pay really shines during peak freight seasons or when you’re hauling high-value loads. You know exactly what you’ll earn before you even pick up the freight. The downside? Your earnings fluctuate with market conditions and freight availability.

Is Trucking a Stable and Growing Career?

Truck driving remains a critical part of the U.S. economy. Nearly everything consumers rely on—from food to building materials—moves by truck at some point.

Demand for CDL Drivers

Nationwide demand for qualified CDL drivers remains strong. Retirements, industry turnover, and growing freight volumes continue to create opportunities for new and experienced drivers.

Seasonal & Long‑Term Job Stability

While some freight types fluctuate seasonally, trucking as a whole offers long‑term stability. Drivers can switch routes, freight types, or employers to adapt to market changes, helping maintain consistent income.

How Infrastructure and Trade Impact Trucking Jobs

Investment in infrastructure, growth in e‑commerce, and domestic and international trade all support long‑term demand for trucking. While technology continues to evolve, skilled drivers are still essential for safety, logistics, and customer service.

Truck driving offers flexible career paths, competitive pay, and clear opportunities for advancement. Whether you prioritize home time, higher earnings, or specialization, trucking provides options that can adapt to different goals and lifestyles.

FAQs

How much can experienced truck drivers earn annually?
Experienced truck drivers can earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year, with some specialized positions like owner-operators potentially earning $160,000 to $250,000+ annually.

What factors affect a truck driver’s salary?
Key factors include experience level, driving record, specialized endorsements (like Hazmat), freight type, route length, and whether the driver is a company employee or owner-operator.

How does pay differ between local and long-haul truck driving?
Local drivers typically earn between $40,000-$65,000 annually, while over-the-road (OTR) drivers can make $60,000-$80,000+, with top performers reaching $100,000+ due to longer routes and more time away from home.

Are there opportunities for career growth in trucking?
Yes, trucking offers various career paths with growth potential. Drivers can specialize in areas like tanker or refrigerated freight, pursue management roles, or become owner-operators for increased earning potential.

What is the job outlook for truck drivers?
The job outlook for truck drivers in the U.S. is stable and continuing to grow. Freight movement remains essential to the economy, and retirements and turnover create tens of thousands of openings each year. While growth is steady, qualified CDL drivers continue to find consistent job opportunities nationwide.