If you’ve been searching for a rewarding career that will literally take you places, you may have considered becoming a truck driver. You’ve probably heard that truckers enjoy the freedom of their jobs out on the open road. But, loving your job and making enough money to pay the bills don’t always go hand in hand.
So, it’s important to ask the simple question: how much do truck drivers make?
Unfortunately, trucker salary can vary depending on a few different factors. And, especially if you’re a rookie driver it can be difficult to pinpoint how you can make the most money.
But, have no fear! In this article, we’re breaking down the average truck driver salary based on the various elements of the industry. Keep reading to learn more.
What is the Average Trucker Salary in America for 2019?
Various sites have reported different earnings for trucker drivers in 2018. The median truck driver salary was listed as anywhere from $40,000 to $73,000 annually.
These numbers include anonymous truck driver salary submissions and statistically analyzed data sets provided by the trucking industry.
The good news is that there are plenty of trucker positions available nationwide. Reports circulating throughout most of 2018 indicated a high demand for truck drivers to fill the 100,000 vacant positions.
Most trucking companies offer comprehensive benefits packages to complement the starting salary. Some will pay your trucking school tuition if you work them for them when you complete the program.
With that, let’s take a look at trucker pay across the various mediums.
Getting Started
You should expect to make no less than $40,000 starting out as a truck driver in your first year. However, you’ll likely need to pay back your debt from trucker training which can range from $4,000 to $6,000.
Most companies that provide training and allow you to work when the training is complete will deduct the tuition from your paychecks for the first 24-26 months. Some of the top trucking companies that offer paid tuition include Swift Transportation, Con-Way Freight, J.B. Hunt, and Werner Enterprises.
Trucker Training
You are not required to obtain your truck driving certifications through a trucking company that you will work for. Alternatively, you can sign up for training at the Truck Driver Institute.
This type of training also offers job placement.
Rookie Drivers
Of course, you can expect your starting pay to be at the lower end of the scale in your first few years of driving. As with any job, the experience is a factor relating to how you will be compensated.
It’s also important to keep in mind that truck driving salaries are not necessarily gauged toward the cost of living in a specified area. In this same vein, you could earn more by working out of state. Ask your trucking company of choice if there is an option to work out of a local terminal if you’d prefer to stay closer to home.
Seasoned Drivers
Semi truck driving salary increases as you become a more experienced driver. Some truck drivers report earnings as high as $88,000 annually after their third year on the job.
Although, this is not typical and more likely than not reported by owner/operator drivers, which we’ll get to in a moment.
Also, however, consider that you will be paid for the number of miles driven in a specified period. The more experience you have on the road, the greater the opportunity to make more money.
And, you’ll have an opportunity for even more earning potential if you are certified to haul hazardous loads. Not to mention that loading or unloading cargo also has its perks. Of course, you likely won’t perform these tasks in your first year or two which is why it actually pays to be a seasoned driver.
Owner/Operators
Driving for a trucking company is a great way to earn an honest living. But, if you feel like you have more potential and want access to make the most money as a trucker, you should consider investing in your own rig.
Oftentimes, when you work for a trucking company, the maintenance costs of the rig are deducted from your pay. As an owner operator, on the other hand, you can offset this difference by invoicing more for each load thereby securing profits.
You may also be eligible for tax advantages as an owner/operator including deductions for travel expenses, tolls, maintenance, parking, registration fees, insurance, and even tires.
Benefits
One of the drawbacks of being an independent owner/operator is that you’ll be forced to come up with premiums for health coverage and retirement savings on your own. This can create an offsetting figure in your salary range compared to working for a trucking company that provides benefits.
Most trucking companies provide all-inclusive benefits including the following:
- 401k Retirement
- Health Insurance
- Vision
- Dental
- Life Insurance
Don’t forget to compare benefits packages before committing to employment with a specific company.
Truck Driver Requirements
Besides driving a lot, truck drivers are held to high standards when it comes to documenting their work.
You will be required to keep a and . Not to mention various other details about your loads, maintenance records, and sleep logs.
Nobody ever said it was necessarily an easy job, but it can be fun and exciting with great earning potential.
Final Thoughts
The average trucker salary will vary by state.
North Dakota ranked first in 2018 for an average wage of $53,720 per year. Hawaii ranked last with an adjusted salary of $26,861 which averages out to a yearly wage of $45,100.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are merely averages that have been gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This may not be an indication for what your earning potential can be depending on the state where you live and the trucker driving school you attend.
Once you’re on the road, you’ll need to keep things organized. Keep this on hand and make copies for future hauls. We also encourage you to visit our site for other business forms you may need in order to make the most of your new career.
Happy Trucking!
