Ryder System Driver Pay
Below Average — #26 of 40$55,000 - $85,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Ryder System Pay Overview
Ryder primarily pays hourly rather than per mile, reflecting their focus on local and dedicated operations. This means consistent weekly paychecks regardless of miles driven. Overtime (time-and-a-half after 40 hours) can significantly boost annual earnings. Ryder equipment is among the best-maintained in the industry since fleet management is their core business.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $22 - $25/hr |
| 1-3 years | $25 - $28/hr |
| 3-5 years | $28 - $31/hr |
| 5-10 years | $31 - $34/hr |
| 10+ years | $34 - $38/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (Local) | $22 - $35/hr |
| Reefer (Dedicated) | $24 - $36/hr |
| Flatbed | $25 - $38/hr |
| Tanker/Hazmat | $26 - $40/hr |
Pay by Job Type
Local
$55,000 - $78,000
per year
Regional
$58,000 - $82,000
per year
Dedicated
$60,000 - $85,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $5,000 for select positions
Safety Bonus
Annual safety bonus up to $2,000
Referral Bonus
$1,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Not typically offered (hourly pay structure)
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | PPO, HMO, and HDHP options within 30 days |
| Dental | Dental PPO coverage included |
| Vision | Vision coverage included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match up to 5% |
| Paid Time Off | 10 days in year 1, up to 25 days at 10+ years |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Up to $5,250/year for approved programs |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
Home daily for most positions — local/dedicated routes
Per Diem
Not applicable — most Ryder drivers work local home-daily routes
How Ryder System Pay Compares
Ryder System ranks #26 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Ryder System (this carrier) | $55,000 - $85,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ryder pay hourly or per mile?
Ryder primarily pays hourly ($22-$38/hr based on experience and position), not per mile. This is because most Ryder driving positions are local or dedicated routes where hourly pay provides more consistent earnings. Overtime at 1.5x rate after 40 hours is common.
Do Ryder drivers go home daily?
Yes, most Ryder CDL positions are local or dedicated routes where drivers are home daily. This is one of the biggest benefits of driving for Ryder compared to OTR carriers. Regional positions may occasionally require overnight stays.
How much do Ryder drivers make per year?
Ryder drivers earn $55,000-$85,000 annually. With overtime, experienced drivers in high-demand markets can exceed $85,000. Pay varies by account, location, and the type of freight being hauled.
What benefits does Ryder offer?
Ryder offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Benefits start within 30 days of employment, and Ryder is known for well-maintained equipment.
Does Ryder hire new CDL drivers?
Ryder typically requires 1 year of CDL-A experience for most positions. However, some local accounts may accept drivers with less experience. Ryder does not currently offer a CDL training program.
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