How much does a truck driver earn in the USA?

Truck drivers are one of the most sought-after and lucrative jobs in America, according to the company Trucking 42 School, the trucking industry is constantly in need of new personnel. There is a huge fleet of trucks operating in the US: it is difficult to say exactly how many trucks there are in the US, but there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers. It is not surprising that many are interested in the question: how much does a truck driver earn in the USA and what does this indicator depend on? In this review, we will examine in detail the average income of truck drivers, the main factors of their earnings, and also consider the cost of the trucks themselves and the income of related specialists – dispatchers.

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Average Salary of a Truck Driver in the USA

Let’s present an overview of truck driver salaries. According to recent 2025 data, the average annual earnings of a truck driver in the U.S. are around $90,000–$95,000 (before taxes). For example, Indeed reports an average salary of approximately $94,000 per year. This figure includes all types of drivers—both those working for transport companies and Owner-Operators (those who own their own trucks). For comparison, the national average income across all industries is significantly lower (around $66,000).

It’s important to understand that truck driver salaries can vary widely. Different sources report average figures ranging from $55,000–$60,000 to $80,000–$85,000 per year—depending on the calculation method and whether overtime, bonuses, etc., are included. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: a professional truck driver earns significantly more than the average American worker.

When it comes to hourly pay, the base rate for truck drivers usually ranges from $30 to $50 per hour. A beginner with no experience may start closer to the lower end—about $15–$25/hour at their first job, especially if they are still in training. But as experience and skills accumulate, the rate increases. Experienced drivers often make $40+ per hour, which translates to more than $80,000–$100,000 per year with full-time work.

Salaries have also been influenced by increased demand for freight transportation. In recent years (especially during the pandemic), the volume of online commerce and freight traffic surged, and the driver shortage significantly drove up rates. Companies have had to offer better conditions to attract and retain truck drivers. Next, we’ll look at the specific factors that affect how much a truck driver earns in the U.S.

Factors Affecting a Truck Driver’s Income

A truck driver’s salary is not fixed—it depends on a variety of conditions. Below are the key factors that determine the final income of a long-haul driver in the U.S.:

Experience, Work History, and CDL License

A truck driver’s experience directly impacts their earnings. The more experience a driver has, the more valuable they are to employers, and the better their pay per hour or per mile. A beginner (just starting at age 21 with a CDL license) often earns nearly half as much as a seasoned industry veteran. For example, a new long-haul driver might start with an annual salary of around $40,000, while an experienced driver with many years behind the wheel can earn $80,000–$100,000 or more.

Holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a mandatory requirement for all truck drivers transporting freight across state lines. Without a CDL, job opportunities are limited, and where drivers are hired without one, conditions are usually less favorable. A CDL not only opens the door to official employment but also positively affects pay rates. Drivers with a full set of licenses and endorsements (such as for hauling oversized or hazardous materials) earn more than colleagues without these qualifications.

Type of Freight and Route Specifics

Freight specialization is another crucial factor influencing income. Different types of cargo require different skill levels and come with varying pay rates. For instance, drivers who transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT) typically earn 30–35% more than those hauling general freight due to the added responsibility and safety requirements.

Long-haul drivers (OTR – Over The Road) generally earn higher wages. These routes cover longer distances, require more time on the road, and often involve living out of the truck, so they pay more than local or regional routes. Drivers transporting freight across the country may earn 10–20% more than those working within a single state or region.

The type of trailer and cargo also impacts pay. In the U.S., there are several main categories of truck drivers:

Dry Van – Standard trailer for dry goods (most common type, base pay rate).
Reefer – Refrigerated trailer for chilled and frozen products (slightly higher rates due to temperature control requirements).
Flatbed – Open platform for oversized or construction materials (higher pay due to the complexity of securing loads and increased risks).
Tanker – Tank trailers for liquids and fuel, including hazardous materials (among the highest rates, especially with HAZMAT endorsement).
Auto Hauler – Trailers for transporting vehicles (above-average pay).
LTL (Less than Truck Load) – Handling small cargo batches for retail, often with tight delivery schedules (average rates, but more paperwork and logistics).

Tanker drivers—especially those hauling hazardous materials—and skilled flatbed operators tend to earn the highest wages. Meanwhile, dry van and LTL drivers usually fall closer to the market average.

Region and State of Employment

Geography significantly affects how much truck drivers are paid. Pay levels vary from state to state. Historically, northern and remote states offer higher wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top-paying states for truck drivers include Alaska, North Dakota, New York, Connecticut, and California. In these areas, average salaries may be 10–20% above the national average.

The reasons for these differences include the local economy and demand for drivers. In densely populated states with a high cost of living, companies must offer higher pay. In remote areas like Alaska, drivers receive additional compensation for challenging conditions and long routes. However, there are also surprising outliers—in some 2025 rankings, unexpected states like Kentucky, Delaware, and Oklahoma made the top list for driver pay. This is often due to localized demand and the number of job openings.

Overall, it’s important to research average pay rates in a specific state before relocating, as the difference can be several thousand dollars annually.

Type of Employer: Company or Self-Employment

Where and for whom a truck driver works plays a significant role. Broadly speaking, the options can be divided as follows:

Large Transportation Companies – Big logistics firms often offer stable salaries or fixed pay per mile. While the earnings may be average for the market, there are several advantages: full benefits packages, insurance, paid vacation, new trucks, and regular raises based on tenure. Many large companies implement tier systems—drivers who work incident-free for a longer period move up in rank and pay. These firms also frequently offer bonuses (covered below) and may fund advanced training.

Small Companies and Independent Truck Owners – Smaller companies have tighter budgets, making high salaries less likely. Often, they hire drivers as independent contractors to save on taxes and benefits, meaning the driver is responsible for their own deductions. However, small firms may offer more flexible schedules and a personal touch. Much depends on the specific employer—some cut corners, while others value and invest in loyal drivers. For smaller-scale moves or local deliveries, hiring a trusted man with van service can often be a cost-effective alternative to full-scale trucking operations.

Owner-Operator (Self-Employed Driver) – This is a separate category. A driver purchases or leases their own truck and runs as a small business. Income isn’t tied to a fixed rate—the more loads completed, the higher the earnings. The driver earns the gross freight amount (e.g., 100% of the load price) but must also cover all expenses personally.

According to Trucking 42 School, an experienced Owner-Operator can generate over $200,000 annually. While that sounds impressive, it’s crucial to consider expenses—truck purchase and depreciation, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, licenses—all come from the driver’s pocket. In reality, over half of that gross income can go toward costs. So, net earnings often fall between $85,000 and $140,000, comparable to or only slightly higher than a well-paid company driver.

Bonuses and Extra Compensation

In addition to base pay or per-mile rates, nearly all carriers offer bonuses—an important component of total income. With truck driving in high demand, employers create incentives to attract and retain drivers:

Sign-On Bonus – A one-time payment for joining a company, often amounting to several thousand dollars.
Mileage Bonus – Extra pay for exceeding a set monthly mileage.
Safety Bonus – Rewards for accident-free driving over time.
Fuel Efficiency Bonus – Bonuses for drivers who reduce fuel consumption.
Referral Bonus – Payments for recommending a successful hire.
Layover/Detention Pay – Compensation for delays during loading/unloading beyond the agreed time.

These bonuses can add several thousand dollars per year. Good companies may also cover health insurance, 401(k) matching, and pay for certification courses—all worth factoring into job comparisons beyond just base salary.

Truck Costs in the U.S.: Buy or Lease

For those considering becoming Owner-Operators, the cost of a truck is essential.

How Much Is a New Truck in the U.S.?

New long-haul trucks aren’t cheap. Prices vary by make, model, and features. On average, a new truck costs $120,000–$150,000. Models like Freightliner Cascadia or Volvo VNL with modern amenities can cost $140,000–$160,000. Budget models can be closer to $100,000, while high-end builds may exceed $180,000–$200,000.

Many drivers start with used trucks. A 5–7-year-old truck can cost $50,000–$80,000, while older ones (10+ years) may be available for $30,000–$40,000—but often require more maintenance and consume more fuel.

Leasing a Truck

An alternative to buying is leasing. The driver pays a weekly or monthly fee to use a truck temporarily—ideal for those who want to work independently but lack the capital to purchase.

Lease prices typically run $1,000–$1,500 per week, plus mileage fees. Some plans charge $4,000–$6,000 per month, with extra costs. A common offer is $1,000 weekly plus $0.15–$0.25 per mile. Monthly, leasing can total $6,000–$8,000.

Leasing avoids the upfront cost of a truck and often includes basic maintenance. But ultimately, drivers pay nearly the cost of a new truck without owning it unless it’s a lease-to-own agreement. Still, leasing is a viable entry point for aspiring Owner-Operators.

How Much Do Freight Dispatchers Make in the U.S.?

The logistics industry includes more than drivers. One key role is the freight dispatcher—the person who finds loads and coordinates hauls for drivers.

Dispatcher earnings differ from driver pay. Most earn a percentage of the freight value they manage. A typical rate is around 5% (ranging from 2.5% for salaried employees to 7–10% for skilled freelancers). For example, if one truck under a dispatcher’s coordination earns $30,000 monthly, the dispatcher earns about $1,500 from that truck. Managing 5–6 trucks can yield $7,000–$9,000 monthly.

Beginners may handle fewer trucks (2–3) and earn $2,000–$4,000/month. During slow seasons or economic downturns, even top dispatchers might drop to ~$4,000/month. But during high demand, skilled dispatchers can make over $10,000/month.

There are different payment models:

Fixed Salary – Rare, typically for in-house staff.
Commission Only – The most common and motivating structure.
Base Pay + Commission – A small salary plus bonuses.

Many dispatchers work remotely, even internationally. The profession attracts people looking for low-barrier entry and scalable income potential based on effort.

Schools like Dispatch42 offer training for aspiring dispatchers, with programs including real-world logistics practice. Many graduates begin working within 1–2 months and earn in dollars remotely.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Truck driving remains one of the most lucrative blue-collar jobs in the U.S. We’ve explored how pay is influenced by experience, cargo type, location, and job structure. Under good conditions, drivers can earn $70,000–$100,000 annually or more—Owner-Operators potentially even more. Bonuses and benefits further boost income.

Freight dispatching is also a promising career path, offering high earnings and the flexibility to work from home. To get started, we recommend training programs like those from Dispatch42 School—practical, job-ready education that leads to real opportunities.

Don’t miss your chance to enter the U.S. trucking business. Learn more, boost your skills, and pursue a high-paying career in logistics!