If you had to list some industries that are literally the backbone of the United States economy, the trucking industry would no doubt be right at the top.
Without the shipping and logistics services provided by these passionate, dedicated, and highly skilled individuals, essential goods and other products would not be transported across the country and the continent. Without them, our store shelves would be bare. Our grocery stores wouldn’t have the food we need to thrive on a daily basis. The list goes on and on.
Of course, this begs the question – how much do truckers make? Naturally, the answer to that question requires you to keep a few key things in mind.
What is the Average Trucker Salary in America?
According to one recent study, the average trucker in the United States brings home a salary of roughly $83,000 per year. Keep in mind, however, that this will vary depending on a wide range of different factors – some of which are under the control of the truck driving professional and some of which are not.
What Factors Influence a Trucker’s Salary?
One of the major factors that influence how much a truck driver makes has to do with whether they are owner-operators or if they work directly for a company. As the name implies, an owner-operator is someone who owns their own truck the same way you might a piece of property. They tend to bring home an average of almost $323,900 per year. This makes sense, though, when you consider what an enormous investment the truck itself was originally.
A truck driver who works with a trucking company, on the other hand, doesn’t have to make that investment to start their career or to take matters into their own hands. For that reason, they tend to make approximately $59,400 per year.
Several other factors will influence a truck driver’s salary, too. Where a truck driver lives, for example, will play a big role. Salaries for any profession tend to reflect the cost of living in a particular area and some areas have higher costs of living than others.
The specific type of truck they’re driving will also influence how much they make, as certain types of trucks require specialized skills that companies are willing to pay more for. This ties directly into their overall level of expertise. The more experienced you are, the more money you can expect to take home.
Driving routes are also a big influence in terms of how much someone will make. If your route is particularly long or complicated, you’ll make more money than if you just handled straightforward jobs all day. It’s like any profession – the more complex it is, the higher your salary tends to be.
Which States are the Best for Trucking?
The states that tend to be the best for truck drivers and people who want to pursue this type of career include Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Not only is the average truck driver’s salary high in these locations, but there are also a large number of trucker positions available.
Other states that are great for trucking include Delaware, Mississippi, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
Which States are the Worst for Trucking?
The states that are the worst for trucking tend to be those that are the opposite of those outlined above – meaning that not only salary comparatively on the lower side, but there also isn’t a lot of opportunity.
Take Hawaii, for example. In addition to salaries being on the low side, there aren’t many opportunities because Hawaii is quite small compared to a state like Oklahoma. Not only that, but the cost of living in Hawaii is also quite high – a bad combination if there ever was one.
Other states that would make this list include but are not limited to ones like Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Texas, and Oregon.
Trucker Salary Based on Trailer Type
Trucks that require specialized skills to operate tend to come with higher salaries than those that don’t. An oversized load driver, for example, typically commands about $96,000 per year.
Trucker Salary Based on Route Type
An OTR (over-the-road) driver would be at the top of the list for salaries based on route type. They tend to bring in about $99,000 per year, although it can be more in some situations.
Trucker Salary Based on Operating Models
As previously mentioned, the owner-operator model commands the highest salary based on the operating model. Others that are high on the list include lease operators, team truck drivers, and solo truck drivers.
Trucker Salary FAQs
What is the Highest Paying Trucking Job?
The highest paying trucking job tends to be owner/operator. Because they own their truck outright, as opposed to using one that has been issued by their employer, they tend to make more than $300,000 per year on average. Keep in mind, however, that you do have to make that large initial upfront investment.
What Type of Trucking is Most in Demand?
Because the trailer type is highly specialized, oversized load drivers tend to be in the highest demand. They also command the highest annual salary as a result. The same concept holds true for things like fuel tanker drivers and crude oil drivers.
Is it a Good Time to Get Into Trucking?
It’s always a good time to get into trucking, provided that your expectations are in order. Simply go into the situation knowing that where you live will absolutely impact how much you make, as well as other factors like your skill level. Have a plan in place for yourself so that your career can develop in the direction you want it to go in.
If you’re wondering how much do truckers make and want to find out more information, or if you’re eager to begin an exciting and rewarding career like this on your own terms, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advanced Commercial Capital today.