Comprehensive breakdown of truck driver pay across the United States
Compare pay across different trucking positions
| Job Type | Pay Structure | Entry Level | Average | Top Earners | Home Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OTR (Over the Road) | Per Mile | $50,000 - $60,000 | $60,000 - $75,000 | $80,000+ | 2-3 weeks out |
| Regional | Per Mile | $55,000 - $65,000 | $65,000 - $80,000 | $90,000+ | Home weekly |
| Local (LTL) | Hourly | $50,000 - $60,000 | $70,000 - $85,000 | $100,000+ | Home daily |
| Dedicated | Various | $60,000 - $70,000 | $70,000 - $85,000 | $95,000+ | Varies |
| Team Driving | Per Mile (split) | $120,000 - $140,000 | $140,000 - $170,000 | $200,000+ | Varies |
| Owner Operator | % of Load | $100,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000 | $300,000+ | Your choice |
| Flatbed | Per Mile + Extras | $55,000 - $65,000 | $70,000 - $85,000 | $100,000+ | Varies |
| Tanker/Hazmat | Various | $60,000 - $75,000 | $80,000 - $100,000 | $120,000+ | Often local |
* Team driving figures represent combined team income. Owner operator figures are gross revenue before expenses.
How your pay grows with experience
$45,000 - $55,000/year
$60,000 - $75,000/year
$80,000 - $100,000+/year
Where truck drivers earn the most
$75,410
Oil field & specialized freight
$69,870
Port & intermodal traffic
$68,530
Distribution hub demand
$67,950
Remote location premium
$65,720
Dense urban delivery
$64,890
Port & warehouse hub
$63,450
Major freight crossroads
$62,870
Port traffic & LTL demand
$62,340
Energy sector freight
$60,180
High volume, diverse freight
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024. Figures represent mean annual wage for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
Different ways trucking companies compensate drivers
Most common for OTR and regional. Pay based on miles driven.
Common for local, LTL, and P&D drivers. Paid for all working time.
Common for owner operators. Percentage of load revenue.
Consistent weekly pay regardless of miles. Some dedicated positions.
Extra ways to boost your trucking income
$2,000 - $15,000
Paid over time (3-12 months)$500 - $5,000/year
Clean record incentives$50 - $200/month
Efficient driving rewards$1,000 - $5,000
For each hired referral$15 - $25/hour
After 2-hour free time$25 - $75/stop
Additional delivery stops$50 - $150/load
Touch freight compensation$50 - $100/tarp
Securing flatbed loadsBeyond salary - the full compensation picture
Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Most companies offer family plans. Premium costs vary ($50-$400/month employee contribution).
Company match typically 3-6%. Some companies match dollar-for-dollar up to a percentage of salary.
1-4 weeks vacation depending on tenure. Many offer paid holidays and sick days.
Basic coverage often included free. Additional coverage available at group rates.
Short and long-term disability coverage. Protects income during injury/illness.
CDL training reimbursement or advancement education support at many carriers.
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