How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
The average truck driver salary in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $85,000+ per year, depending on experience, job type, and location. Top earners can make over $100,000 annually.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 year) | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| Mid-Level (1-3 years) | $50,000 - $65,000 |
| Experienced (3-5 years) | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Veteran (5+ years) | $70,000 - $100,000+ |
Salary by Job Type
- OTR (Over-the-Road): $55,000 - $85,000/year
- Regional: $50,000 - $75,000/year
- Local: $45,000 - $70,000/year
- Owner-Operator: $150,000 - $300,000 gross
- Team Driving: $60,000 - $90,000/driver
- Hazmat/Tanker: $65,000 - $95,000/year
Highest Paying States
- Wyoming - $65,340 average
- Nevada - $63,200 average
- North Dakota - $62,800 average
- Alaska - $62,100 average
- California - $61,500 average
How to Increase Your Earnings
- Get CDL endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples)
- Gain experience and build a clean driving record
- Consider specialized freight (oversized, auto hauling)
- Negotiate sign-on bonuses
- Look for companies with performance bonuses