Knight-Swift Transportation Driver Pay
Average — #24 of 40$50,000 - $85,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Knight-Swift Transportation Pay Overview
As the largest full truckload carrier, Knight-Swift has massive scale but starting CPM for new drivers tends to be on the lower end compared to smaller carriers. The Swift side of the company has its CDL academy, making it a common entry point for new drivers. Knight division tends to pay slightly higher than Swift for comparable positions.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.40 - $0.47/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.47 - $0.54/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.54 - $0.60/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.60 - $0.65/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.65 - $0.70/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (OTR) | $0.40 - $0.65/mi |
| Dry Van (Dedicated) | $0.50 - $0.68/mi |
| Refrigerated | $0.48 - $0.68/mi |
| Intermodal | $0.45 - $0.62/mi |
Pay by Job Type
OTR
$50,000 - $75,000
per year
Regional
$55,000 - $80,000
per year
Dedicated
$58,000 - $85,000
per year
Local
$50,000 - $70,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $6,000 for experienced drivers (varies by region)
Safety Bonus
$0.01 - $0.02/mi quarterly safety bonus
Referral Bonus
$1,000 - $2,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
$0.01/mi fuel efficiency bonus for qualifying drivers
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | PPO and HDHP options, coverage begins after 60 days |
| Dental | Dental coverage included with health plan |
| Vision | Vision coverage included with health plan |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match up to 4% |
| Paid Time Off | 5 days after 1 year, up to 15 days at 5+ years |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Swift Academy CDL training (company-paid with driving commitment) |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Regional: Weekly | Dedicated: Varies by account
Per Diem
$56/day per diem for OTR drivers
How Knight-Swift Transportation Pay Compares
Knight-Swift Transportation ranks #24 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Knight-Swift Transportation (this carrier) | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Heartland Express | $55,000 - $80,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Knight-Swift drivers make?
Knight-Swift drivers earn $50,000-$85,000 annually. New Swift Academy graduates start around $0.40-$0.47/mi, while experienced Knight drivers can earn $0.65-$0.70/mi. Dedicated accounts typically pay the most.
Is Knight pay different from Swift pay?
Generally, yes. Knight division drivers tend to start at a slightly higher CPM than Swift division drivers, reflecting Knight's historically higher pay structure. However, both divisions offer similar benefits and advancement opportunities.
Does Knight-Swift pay weekly?
Yes, Knight-Swift pays weekly via direct deposit. Drivers receive their paycheck every week, and the company also offers per diem options to reduce taxable income.
What is the Swift Academy cost?
Swift Academy CDL training is company-paid — there is no out-of-pocket cost for students. In exchange, graduates commit to driving for Swift for approximately 12 months. If you leave early, you may owe a portion of the training cost.
How much is the Knight-Swift sign-on bonus?
Knight-Swift offers sign-on bonuses up to $6,000 for experienced CDL-A drivers. Amounts vary by region, division, and current hiring needs. Bonuses are typically paid over the first 6-12 months of employment.
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