Schneider National Driver Pay
Average — #23 of 40$50,000 - $85,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Schneider National Pay Overview
Schneider's tanker division consistently pays more than van due to hazmat endorsement requirements and specialized skills. Their dedicated division has grown rapidly, offering predictable routes and higher CPM than OTR. New graduates benefit from Schneider's structured pay progression with guaranteed raises.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.44 - $0.50/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.50 - $0.56/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.56 - $0.62/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.62 - $0.67/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.67 - $0.72/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Van (OTR) | $0.44 - $0.65/mi |
| Van (Dedicated) | $0.52 - $0.70/mi |
| Tanker | $0.55 - $0.75/mi |
| Intermodal | $0.50 - $0.65/mi |
| Bulk | $0.56 - $0.72/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
$52,000 - $72,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $10,000 for experienced van and tanker drivers
Safety Bonus
$500 - $2,000 quarterly safety bonus
Referral Bonus
$1,500 - $3,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
$0.01 - $0.02/mi fuel bonus for top performers
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Multiple plan options (PPO, HDHP with HSA), coverage starts within 30 days |
| Dental | Dental PPO with orthodontic coverage |
| Vision | Vision plan with annual exam and frame allowance |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match up to 6% |
| Paid Time Off | Up to 10 days in year 1, increasing to 25+ days |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Company-paid CDL training for new drivers; up to $5,250/year for education |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Regional: Weekly | Dedicated: Daily/weekly by account
Per Diem
$66/day per diem for eligible OTR drivers
How Schneider National Pay Compares
Schneider National ranks #23 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Schneider National (this carrier) | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| Heartland Express | $55,000 - $80,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Schneider pay per mile?
Schneider pays $0.44-$0.72 per mile depending on experience and division. Van OTR starts at $0.44/mi for new drivers, while experienced tanker drivers can earn $0.72+ per mile. Dedicated accounts often fall in the $0.52-$0.70/mi range.
What is Schneider's sign-on bonus?
Schneider offers sign-on bonuses up to $10,000 for experienced drivers, particularly in the tanker and dedicated divisions. Bonuses are paid in installments over 6-12 months and vary by location and division.
Does Schneider pay for CDL school?
Yes, Schneider offers a company-paid CDL training program. They cover the full cost of CDL training in exchange for a 12-month driving commitment. Trainees earn a wage during the classroom and behind-the-wheel training phases.
How does Schneider tanker pay compare to van?
Schneider tanker drivers typically earn $10,000-$15,000 more annually than van drivers due to hazmat endorsements and specialized handling. Tanker CPM ranges from $0.55-$0.75/mi compared to $0.44-$0.65/mi for van.
Does Schneider offer per diem?
Yes, Schneider offers a per diem of approximately $66 per day for OTR drivers. This is an optional benefit that reduces taxable income. It applies to nights away from your tax home.
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