How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
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Truck Drivers
Nearly every product distributed in the US spends at least some time in a truck. Even though airplanes, trains, and vessels may also be used to carry goods, no other form of transportation has the same degree of flexibility as a truck. Consequently, trucks are utilized to transport every thing from canned foods to vehicles.
Drivers are given the task of picking up as well as delivering products from one location to another. This can be from a producer to a distribution center, from a distribution center to a consumer, or between distribution centers. Furthermore, truck drivers may be responsible for loading and unloading their cargo. They are also responsible for following applicable laws, keeping logs of their actions, and making sure that their gear is in good working condition.
Heavy truck and tractor-trailer truck drivers operate trucks or vans with a capacity of at least 26,001 lbs gross vehicle weight (GVW). The vast majority of these are over-the-road or long-haul truck drivers, which means they deliver items over intercity routes that may span many States. Several drivers have normal routes or areas in which they drive the most, while others take on routes throughout the country or even to Canada and Mexico.
Long-haul drivers are sometimes responsible for preparing their particular routes. In many instances, operators are given a delivery place and timeline, plus they must determine the best way to get the shipment to the location on time. This may be challenging, as drivers must locate routes that permit large trucks, and need to work inside the guidelines imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Truck drivers need to fill out logs to show they have followed these rules, which mandate maximum driving periods and rest periods between shifts. Businesses sometimes use two truck drivers on long runs to minimize downtime. On these types of "sleeper" runs, 1 driver sleeps in a berth behind the cab while another operates the truck.
Most potential drivers take driver-training programs at a technical or vocational school to prepare for CDL testing. Driver-training programs teach individuals the way to move around large vehicles on crowded roadways and within highway traffic. These programs also teach truck drivers the best way to effectively inspect trucks and freight for compliance with rules.
Some States require prospective truck drivers to complete a instruction course in fundamental truck driving before obtaining their CDL. Some companies have comparable requirements. People interested in attending a driving school need to check with local trucking companies to make sure the school's instruction is suitable. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) certifies driver-training programs at truck driver instruction colleges that meet industry standards and Federal Highway Administration guidelines for training tractor-trailer drivers.
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation:
| Employment | Mean hourly wage |
Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1,466,740 | $18.97 | $39,450 |
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) |
75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $11.89 | $14.55 | $18.16 | $22.56 | $27.64 |
| Annual Wage | $24,730 | $30,270 | $37,770 | $46,920 | $57,480 |
Industry profile for this occupation:
Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Freight Trucking | 524,030 | $19.76 | $41,100 |
| Specialized Freight Trucking | 196,910 | $18.60 | $38,690 |
| Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers | 64,400 | $20.93 | $43,530 |
| Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing | 54,750 | $17.36 | $36,110 |
| Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 35,850 | $17.67 | $36,740 |
Industries with the highest concentration of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Freight Trucking | 524,030 | $19.76 | $41,100 |
| Specialized Freight Trucking | 196,910 | $18.60 | $38,690 |
| Support Activities for Road Transportation | 32,060 | $15.69 | $32,630 |
| Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing | 54,750 | $17.36 | $36,110 |
| Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers | 22,890 | $19.10 | $39,730 |
Top paying industries for this occupation:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postal Service | 4,880 | $25.98 | $54,040 |
| Couriers and Express Delivery Services | 26,600 | $25.92 | $53,900 |
| Spectator Sports | 360 | $24.77 | $51,530 |
| Household Appliance Manufacturing | 40 | $24.48 | $50,920 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 540 | $24.38 | $50,710 |
Geographic profile for this occupation:
States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
| State | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 124,560 | $17.86 | $37,150 |
| California | 115,640 | $20.03 | $41,660 |
| Pennsylvania | 65,670 | $19.88 | $41,360 |
| Florida | 63,670 | $17.34 | $36,070 |
| Ohio | 61,550 | $19.18 | $39,890 |