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A Comprehensive Guide To High-Paying Trucking Jobs
Join us as we shadow Byrd on a typical day working as a heavy truck driver. Byrd will share his journey to securing his position as well as the advantages and disadvantages of truck driving.
Truck drivers play a crucial role in our nation, transporting goods and products from one location to another. It is also a rewarding career as many companies offer mileage incentives and sign-on bonuses. Understanding which trucking jobs offer the highest pay, along with the necessary qualifications and skills, can help aspiring drivers prepare for a lucrative career. This article covers the requirements for various truck driving jobs and their projected salaries.
What is the average salary for truckers?
Truckers earn an average of $61,000 per year. In addition to their salary, truckers may receive employee benefits such as equity, 401(k) plans, referral bonuses, paid time off, and fuel discounts. Most trucking jobs also include health and life insurance for employees. Factors such as location, experience, company, and driving skills can impact a driver’s average income.
How do truckers get paid?
Most truck drivers are paid per mile, with rates ranging from $0.37 to $1.79 per mile. The mileage rate can vary based on the type of driving mode or route that the company pays for. Different types of trucking jobs and their respective pay scales include:
1. Company team drivers: Drivers who operate as part of a team alongside other drivers typically earn between $0.48 and $0.75 per mile.
2. Solo drivers: Individual drivers who handle routes on their own usually earn between $0.40 and $0.64 per mile.
3. Owner-operators: Independent contractors who own and operate their own trucks can earn between $0.94 and $1.79 per mile, but they are responsible for covering their own expenses such as fuel and maintenance.
Truck drivers may also be paid based on the type of route they handle, such as:
– Over-the-road (OTR) drivers: These drivers travel long distances and often spend days or weeks on the road. OTR drivers typically earn between $0.44 and $0.58 per mile.
– Regional drivers: Drivers who operate within a specific region usually earn between $0.37 and $0.55 per mile.
– Local drivers: Drivers who work within their own state and return home each evening typically earn between $0.42 and $0.71 per mile.
Some truckers may also receive weekly or monthly salaries or qualify for signing bonuses or referrals. Companies often offer sign-on bonuses to attract new drivers, and trucking recruiters may receive a referral fee for hiring new truckers. Some truckers may also work as instructors and assist new drivers in obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
What are the requirements for the highest-paying truck driver jobs?
To secure a high-paying trucking job, individuals will need specific skills and qualifications, including:
– Clean driving record: Most trucking jobs require a clean driving record without any past accidents or traffic violations.
– Background check: A clean background check is typically required, which may include criminal history checks, employment verifications, and drug and alcohol testing.
– Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Most trucking jobs require a CDL, which can be obtained by meeting the training and educational requirements set by the state. Additional written and skills tests are also required, and drivers can obtain additional endorsements for their CDL, such as double and triple trailers, passenger vehicles, tank trucks, and school buses.
– Owner-operators: Independent contractors must have a CDL, their own trucking equipment, trucking insurance, and a business contract.
– OTR drivers: Drivers who handle long-haul routes must have a CDL and experience in operating larger vehicles.
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Some highly paid trucking jobs may require a TWIC, which is obtained through a TSA background check and allows drivers to operate near naval facilities.
In addition to these requirements, trucking companies that offer high salaries may require specific skills such as HAZMAT certification for handling hazardous materials, as well as experience in driving different types of trucks and trailers, such as dry vans, refrigerated goods, tankers, and cargo haulers. Communication, organization, project management, and problem-solving skills are essential for excelling in the trucking industry.
How can one find lucrative trucking jobs?
Once individuals have acquired the necessary skills and certifications, they can start looking for high-paying trucking jobs by:
– Applying directly with trucking companies.
– Conducting online job searches for top-paying positions.
– Working with trucking recruiters who can provide information about company policies and pay scales.
– Networking with other truckers who may be able to provide recommendations.
Which types of trucking jobs pay the highest?
Certain trucking occupations that involve increased risk and require specialized knowledge often offer higher salaries. Some of these high-paying trucking jobs include:
– Oversized truck drivers: Responsible for transporting tall or wide loads that require specific safety and transportation expertise.
– Hazmat truck drivers: Handle hazardous substances and require knowledge of safely transporting dangerous materials.
– Car haulers: Specialize in transporting luxury vehicles from manufacturers or dealerships to showrooms.
– Public fleet drivers: Work directly for their employer and require training in addition to standard trucking education.
– Ice road truckers: Transport goods over frozen bodies of water and must adhere to strict safety measures.
– Coal mine truck drivers: Move goods to and from coal mines and require training in navigating mine sites safely.
Tips for success in the trucking industry.
– Update your resume to highlight your skills and experience.
– Seek the advice of a resume professional to improve your resume.
– Utilize networking opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry.
Which states pay the most for truck driving careers?
Trucking jobs in certain states may offer higher salaries. According to updated salary data, trucking positions in the following states may pay the highest average salaries:
– Alabama: $54,824
– Alaska: $65,907
– Arizona: $57,002
– Arkansas: $57,359
– California: $68,158
– Colorado: $71,163
– Connecticut: $86,511
– Delaware: $63,249
– Florida: $82,437
– Georgia: $66,948
– Hawaii: $57,764
– Idaho: $58,118
– Illinois: $60,581
– Indiana: $55,439
– Iowa: $68,654
– Kansas: $60,306
– Kentucky: $52,862
– Louisiana: $69,479
– Maine: $65,252
– Maryland: $67,512
– Massachusetts: $90,406
– Michigan: $69,213
– Minnesota: $69,207
– Mississippi: $57,310
– Missouri: $56,500
– Montana: $66,614
– Nebraska: $68,688
– Nevada: $74,052
– New Hampshire: $71,930
– New Jersey: $76,574
– New Mexico: $72,947
– New York: $83,622
– North Carolina: $56,556
– North Dakota: $59,283
– Ohio: $58,587
– Oklahoma: $68,622
– Oregon: $69,943
– Pennsylvania: $67,955
– Rhode Island: $68,553
– South Carolina: $59,658
– South Dakota: $51,272
– Tennessee: $53,706
– Texas: $67,653
– Utah: $65,532
– Vermont: $62,484
– Virginia: $68,828
– Washington: $79,093
– West Virginia: $67,141
– Wisconsin: $66,340
– Wyoming: $69,285
These salaries may vary based on the specific job, experience level, and company. It is important for aspiring truck drivers to research and compare opportunities within the industry to find the best fit for their skills and goals.
In conclusion, the trucking industry offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals seeking high-paying jobs. With the right qualifications, skills, and experience, aspiring truck drivers can secure a rewarding career in this important field. Whether working as a company team driver, a solo driver, or an owner-operator, there are various paths to success in the trucking industry. By understanding the requirements for different trucking jobs, individuals can position themselves for a well-paying and fulfilling career in trucking.
