How much do long-haul truck drivers make?

Long-haul (over-the-road) truck drivers typically earn $55,000 to $85,000+ per year. Experienced drivers with clean records at top carriers can earn over $90,000. Pay is usually calculated by the mile (typically $0.45 to $0.70 per mile) plus additional pay for loading, detention, and other factors.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take three to seven weeks of full-time study. Some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as two to three weeks. After completing training, you must pass the CDL written and skills exams at your state DMV.

How much do owner-operator truck drivers make?

Owner-operators can gross $200,000 to $400,000+ per year, but expenses including truck payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and taxes significantly reduce net income. After expenses, most owner-operators net $80,000 to $150,000. Success depends heavily on business management skills.

Is truck driving hard on your health?

Long hours of sitting, irregular sleep patterns, limited access to healthy food, and the sedentary nature of the job can negatively affect health. However, many drivers maintain their health through exercise at truck stops, meal planning, and choosing companies with driver wellness programs.

Will self-driving trucks replace truck drivers?

Autonomous trucking technology is advancing but is unlikely to fully replace drivers in the near future. Initial adoption will likely be on long-haul highway routes, while local delivery and complex driving situations will still require human drivers. The transition is expected to be gradual over many years.

Truck Driver Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

Service & SpecialtyAbout as fast as average

Truck drivers transport goods and materials over local, regional, and long-distance routes. They operate tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and specialized vehicles. Truck drivers are essential to the economy, delivering virtually everything consumers and businesses need. The industry faces an ongoing driver shortage.

Median Salary

$54,320

Salary Range

$33,750 – $80,960

Hourly Equivalent

$26.12/hr

Growth Rate

Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$39,110

$18.80/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$54,320

$26.12/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$67,900

$32.64/hr

Expert (13+ years)$78,764

$37.87/hr

Truck Driver Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$66,270	$31.86/hr
#2	New York	$64,641	$31.08/hr
#3	Washington	$63,011	$30.29/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$62,468	$30.03/hr
#5	New Jersey	$61,382	$29.51/hr
#6	Connecticut	$60,295	$28.99/hr
#7	Maryland	$59,209	$28.47/hr
#8	Alaska	$58,666	$28.20/hr
#9	Hawaii	$58,122	$27.94/hr
#10	Oregon	$57,036	$27.42/hr

Truck Driver Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$74,962	$36.04/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$71,702	$34.47/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$70,616	$33.95/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$67,900	$32.64/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$66,270	$31.86/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$65,184	$31.34/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$64,098	$30.82/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$60,838	$29.25/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$59,752	$28.73/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$58,666	$28.20/hr

How to Become a Truck Driver

To become a truck driver, you need a high school diploma and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). CDL training programs take three to seven weeks and include classroom instruction on federal regulations, vehicle inspection, and trip planning, along with behind-the-wheel training in a commercial vehicle.

You must be at least 18 to drive within your state (intrastate) and at least 21 to drive across state lines (interstate). CDL testing includes a written knowledge exam and a skills test with vehicle inspection, basic controls, and road driving components. Different CDL classes (A, B, C) allow you to operate different types of vehicles.

Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where they cover training costs in exchange for a commitment to work for the company for a specified period (usually one to two years). These programs can eliminate the upfront cost of CDL school, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.

Additional endorsements can expand your driving opportunities and increase your pay. The Hazmat endorsement allows you to haul hazardous materials, the Tanker endorsement is for liquid cargo, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement is for pulling multiple trailers. Each endorsement requires additional written exams.

Job Outlook for Truck Drivers

4% growth — About as fast as average

The trucking industry faces a persistent driver shortage estimated at 60,000 to 80,000 drivers, and this gap is expected to grow. This shortage gives truck drivers significant leverage in the job market, with companies offering signing bonuses, higher pay, and better benefits to attract drivers.

The job outlook shows about 4% growth from 2022 to 2032, but the replacement demand is much higher as experienced drivers retire. The American Trucking Associations projects the industry will need to recruit nearly 1 million new drivers over the next decade to meet demand.

Truck driver compensation has been rising due to the driver shortage. Experienced long-haul drivers can earn $70,000 to $90,000+, and specialized drivers (hazmat, oversized loads, ice road) can earn even more. Owner-operators who run their own trucks can gross over $200,000, though expenses significantly reduce net income.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

High School Diploma + CDL Training

Key Certifications

CDL Class A
Hazmat Endorsement
TWIC Card