Oil & Gas Trucking Jobs
Oil and gas trucking is one of the highest-paying sectors in the commercial driving industry. Drivers in this field transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, drilling equipment, fracking water, and pipeline materials to and from wellheads, refineries, and distribution terminals. The work ofte...
Avg Pay
$70,000 - $110,000
Growth
+8% through 2028
Seasonality
Year-Round
Top States
8 States
About Oil & Gas Trucking
Oil and gas trucking is one of the highest-paying sectors in the commercial driving industry. Drivers in this field transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, drilling equipment, fracking water, and pipeline materials to and from wellheads, refineries, and distribution terminals. The work often involves operating in remote locations across the Permian Basin, Bakken Shale, Eagle Ford, and Marcellus formations. Shifts can be long — 12 to 14 hours — and the terrain is demanding, but the compensation reflects the difficulty. Many oilfield trucking positions pay by the load or by the hour rather than per mile, and hazmat and tanker endorsements are typically required. Drivers with experience operating vacuum trucks, winch trucks, and hot oil units are in especially high demand. The industry is cyclical, tracking closely with oil prices, but even during downturns the maintenance and transport needs of existing wells keep freight moving.
Requirements & Qualifications
Equipment Used
Top Employers
Top States for Oil & Gas Trucking
These states have the highest demand for oil & gas trucking drivers based on employer activity, freight volume, and industry presence.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oil & Gas Trucking
How much do oilfield truck drivers make?
Oilfield truck drivers typically earn $70,000 to $110,000 annually, with top earners in the Permian Basin and Bakken Shale exceeding $120,000. Pay is often hourly ($25-$40/hr) or per load rather than per mile, and overtime during drilling booms can push earnings significantly higher.
What endorsements do I need for oil and gas trucking?
Most oil and gas trucking positions require a CDL-A with Tanker (N) and HazMat (H) endorsements, often combined as a Tanker/HazMat (X) endorsement. A TWIC card is also typically required for access to refineries and pipeline terminals.
Is oilfield trucking dangerous?
Oilfield trucking carries higher risk than standard freight due to hazardous materials, remote unpaved roads, heavy equipment, and extended shifts. However, reputable companies provide thorough safety training, and following proper protocols significantly reduces risk. OSHA recordable incident rates in the sector have improved steadily since 2018.
What happens to oilfield trucking jobs when oil prices drop?
Drilling activity slows during price downturns, reducing new well transport jobs. However, existing wells still require maintenance hauling, water disposal, and product transport. Experienced drivers with multiple equipment skills (vacuum, hot oil, winch) retain work even in slower markets.
Do oilfield trucking companies provide housing?
Many oilfield trucking companies provide man-camps, per diem allowances ($50-$150/day), or subsidized housing near drilling sites in remote areas like the Permian Basin and Bakken. Some drivers commute on a two-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation schedule.