Truck driver salary in United States
How much does a Truck Driver make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a truck driver is $1,947 per week in the United States. 421.5k salaries reported, updated at June 3, 2024
Getting paid as a Truck Driver by operating mode
Solo drivers must take time to stop and sleep between shifts. In a team driving situation, two truck drivers make runs together. Owner operators generally earn a higher gross salary but take home pay is reduced by expenses.
Company Team Driver
Company Solo Driver
Owner Operator Driver
Salaries by years of experience in the United States
| Years of experience | Per week |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | |
| 1 to 2 years | |
| 3 to 5 years | |
| 6 to 9 years | |
| More than 10 years |
Getting paid as a Truck Driver by route type
OTR drivers spend weeks on the road but will command the highest salary. Regional drivers will stay within one area, which will generally mean they can come home on the weekends. Local drivers stay in-state and can generally come home each night, but are paid the least.
OTR Driver
Up to 3,000 miles per week
3.2% of the OTR drivers get weekly home-time.Regional Driver
Up to 2,800 miles per week60.3% of the regional drivers get weekly home-time.Local Driver
Up to 2,500 miles per week52.3% of the local drivers get daily home-time.Top companies for Truck Drivers in United States
Highest paying cities for Truck Drivers near United States
- Salt Lake City, UT$2,039 per week1.1k salaries reported
- San Antonio, TX$1,939 per week2k salaries reported
- Louisville, KY$1,898 per week2k salaries reported
- Dallas, TX$1,885 per week3.1k salaries reported
- Atlanta, GA$1,841 per week4.3k salaries reported
- Nashville, TN$1,832 per week2.4k salaries reported
- Houston, TX$1,816 per week3.9k salaries reported
- Indianapolis, IN$1,782 per week2.8k salaries reported
- Phoenix, AZ$1,763 per week1.6k salaries reported
Where can a Truck Driver earn more?
Compare salaries for Truck Drivers in different locations
Best-paid skills and qualifications for Truck Drivers
TWIC Card(earn +10.73% more)
The jobs requiring this certification have increase by 16.37% since 2018. Truck Drivers with this certification earn +10.73% more than the average base salary, which is $1,947 per week.
| Year | Number of job openings on Indeed requiring this certification | Change from previous year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | increase by 4 |
| 2012 | 18756 | increase by 468800.00% |
| 2013 | 73390 | increase by 291.29% |
| 2014 | 204899 | increase by 179.19% |
| 2015 | 204054 | decrease by 0.41% |
| 2016 | 224268 | increase by 9.91% |
| 2017 | 101197 | decrease by 54.88% |
| 2018 | 140715 | increase by 39.05% |
| 2019 | 163748 | increase by 16.37% |
Top companies hiring Truck Drivers with the recommended certification
More critical skills and qualifications that pay well
| Top Skills | Salary | Job openings | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 981 jobs | 20,714 | ||
| 5,883 jobs | 101,900 | ||
| 2,861 jobs | 44,474 | ||
| 2,083 jobs | 65,150 | ||
| 235 jobs | 2,405 |
The most common pay model for truck drivers in the United States
| Pay Period | Salary |
|---|---|
| Per mile | $0.49 |
| Per week | $1,183 |
| Per month | $4,731 |
| Per year | $47,306 |
Every company has a different compensation plan. There are advantages to different pay and models, and you need to be fully informed either way. Tell us about your salary to help other job seekers.
Most common benefits for Truck Drivers
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Flexible spending account
- Fuel card
- Fuel discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid toll fees
- Paid training
- Parental leave
- Passenger ride along program
- Pet rider program
- Prescription drug insurance
- Profit sharing
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Safety equipment provided
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Salary satisfaction
Based on 44,325 ratings51% of Truck Drivers in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area.
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Delivery Driver
100 job openingsOwner Operator Driver
100 job openingsLocal Driver
100 job openingsRoute Driver
100 job openingsVan Driver
100 job openings
Common questions about salaries for a Truck Driver
What is the highest paying truck driving job?
Tanker drivers are some of the highest paid truck drivers.
Do you make good money as a truck driver?
According to Indeed user ratings, 51% of truck drivers believe their salary is enough for cost of living in their area.
Is pay based on a per-mile rate or an hourly rate?
Every company has a different compensation plan. There are benefits to both pay models, and you need to be fully informed either way.
