How much does a Truck Driver make?

The average salary for a Truck Driver is $73,665 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 70378 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Truck Driver employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Truck Driver in United States is $93,338 per year.

The lowest salary for a Truck Driver in United States is $58,301 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Truck Driver or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Truck Driver.

Trucking offers opportunities to earn relatively high pay without high formal academic requirements. They are typically paid by the number of miles driven plus bonuses. Truckers can increase their pay by earning endorsements for their Commercial Driver’s License that permit them to transport hazardous materials, drive tanker vehicles and drive double-triple trailer. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits drivers to 14 hours of work, including 11 hours of driving, at a time.

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Drawing from Glassdoor's anonymous data, 66% of truck drivers are satisfied with how much they make. Truck drivers have also reported receiving additional yearly pay of approximately $3,700.56 in profit sharing and bonuses for quality performance. These rates will vary from company to company.

If you're interested in climbing the career ladder, there are a few things you can do to influence how much you make as a truck driver. First, consider becoming a team driver. Companies often offer higher pay rates for team drivers because they can cover more ground and get the job done faster. Second, specialize in hauling high-value or dangerous cargo. These types of loads typically come with higher pay rates to offset the risk involved. To become certified to haul this cargo, you'll need to have a clean driving record plus pass a background check. Your state might have additional requirements, so check with your employer regarding the regulations.

When negotiating with a potential employer, be sure to emphasize your experience, skills, and dedication to your truck driver job. If you have a clean record, mention that as well. By doing this, you'll be in a much better position to negotiate a higher salary.

Negotiating with a current employer can be a trickier situation, but it's still possible to get a raise. If you're unhappy with your current salary, start by doing some research to find out what other drivers in your area are making. Also, when talking to your boss, be prepared to back up your request with specific examples of your accomplishments and dedication to the job.