Truck driving is more than just a job—it’s a career that fuels the economy and keeps goods moving across the country. If you’re considering a career in trucking, you’ve probably asked, “How much do truck drivers make?” The answer depends on factors like experience, location, type of trucking job, and pay structure.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for truck drivers was $53,090 as of May 2023, but this can vary widely based on the type of truck driven and the distance covered [BLS].
In this guide, we’ll break down how much truckers make by category, including hourly wages, per-mile pay, and specialized trucking jobs, so you can determine what career path best fits your financial goals.
For trucking companies, ensuring that your drivers are properly qualified and compliant is just as important as pay. Drivers Files Online helps carriers manage driver qualification files, PSP reports, and state motor vehicle reports, ensuring that payroll investment goes toward safe, reliable drivers.
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How Much Do Truckers Make on Average?
CDL salaries vary widely, but the national average for truck drivers is $53,090 per year, or about $25.52 per hour, according to BLS data. However, how much a truck driver makes a year depends on:
✔ Experience – New drivers typically earn less than veteran truckers.
✔ Location – Certain states offer higher wages due to demand.
✔ Type of Haul – OTR (over-the-road) and specialized drivers make more.
✔ Pay Structure – Drivers can be paid hourly, per mile, or per load.
While some truckers make the average wage, others can far exceed six figures with the right experience and certifications.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make by Pay Structure?
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make Per Hour?
The average hourly pay for truck drivers is $25.52, but new drivers may start around $19-$22 per hour, while highly experienced drivers can make upwards of $35+ per hour.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make Per Mile?
Many CDL drivers are paid per mile, rather than by the hour. The average per-mile rate is between $0.50 and $0.75 per mile, with some specialized drivers earning up to $1 per mile or more.
If a trucker drives 2,500 miles per week at $0.60 per mile, they’d earn $1,500 per week—or about $78,000 per year before bonuses.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make by Job Type?
Salaries vary based on the type of truck driven and the cargo transported.
How Much Do OTR Truck Drivers Make?
Over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers haul freight across state lines and are typically paid by the mile.
💰 Average salary: $60,000 – $90,000+ per year
💰 High earners: $100,000+ with experience and specialized loads
How Much Do Long Haul Truck Drivers Make?
Long-haul drivers often spend weeks on the road at a time and are some of the highest-paid truckers.
💰 Average salary: $65,000 – $100,000 per year
How Much Do Box Truck Drivers Make?
Box truck drivers typically work in local delivery or moving services and are often paid hourly.
💰 Average salary: $40,000 – $65,000 per year
How Much Do Dump Truck Drivers Make?
Dump truck drivers work in construction and mining and can be paid hourly or per load.
💰 Average salary: $45,000 – $75,000 per year
How Much Do Tow Truck Drivers Make?
Tow truck drivers operate on demand-based schedules, with some earning extra through overtime or emergency callouts.
💰 Average salary: $35,000 – $70,000 per year
How Much Do Garbage Truck Drivers Make?
Garbage truck drivers have steady work in waste management and can earn competitive hourly wages.
💰 Average salary: $40,000 – $65,000 per year
How Much Do Armored Truck Drivers Make?
Armored truck drivers transport high-value assets, requiring extra security training.
💰 Average salary: $35,000 – $65,000 per year
RELATED: Life of a Truck Driver: Work-Life Balance From a Distance
How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Truck Driver
If you’re looking to increase your truck driving salary, consider these options:
✔ Gain More Experience – Experienced drivers earn higher pay rates.
✔ Earn Additional Endorsements – Hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements can significantly increase pay.
✔ Take On Specialized Loads – Heavy haul, oversized freight, and temperature-sensitive cargo pay more.
✔ Choose the Right Employer – Some companies offer higher mileage rates, bonuses, and benefits.
Why Salary Transparency Matters for HR and CDL Consultants
For HR managers, fleet owners, and CDL industry consultants, understanding how much truck drivers make isn’t just about offering competitive pay—it’s about attracting and retaining top talent while ensuring full DOT compliance. With the ongoing truck driver shortage, businesses that provide clear salary expectations and streamline the hiring process will stand out from the competition.
Salary Expectations and CDL Hiring Challenges
Recruiters and fleet managers often face three major challenges when it comes to hiring qualified drivers:
✔ Competitive Compensation: Offering salaries that align with industry standards while factoring in experience, endorsements, and regional pay variations.
✔ Driver Compliance: Ensuring that every new hire meets FMCSA requirements, including valid CDLs, medical certificates, and clean MVRs.
✔ Efficient Onboarding: Managing paperwork, background checks, and employment verification efficiently to avoid delays.
That’s where Drivers Files Online comes in. Our platform simplifies CDL hiring, compliance, and record-keeping, giving HR teams and consultants the tools they need to hire safely and efficiently.
How HR Managers and Consultants Can Benefit from Drivers Files Online
🚛 Speed Up Hiring With Online Driver Applications – Our online driver application system ensures that every applicant submits a complete, DOT-compliant application with all required fields filled in before submission.
📂 Verify Driver Safety Records Instantly – Need to check MVR reports or PSP safety records before hiring? Our platform provides instant access to State MVRs and FMCSA PSP reports, so you know exactly who you’re hiring.
📝 Manage Compliance With Automated Alerts – Never miss license renewals, medical card expirations, or required safety updates with our built-in compliance tracking system.
🔍 Reduce Compliance Risks With Secure Record-Keeping – For consultants managing compliance for multiple clients, our secure digital storage ensures that driver qualification files (DQFs) are always organized and audit-ready.
By integrating salary transparency with a seamless hiring and compliance system, HR teams and CDL consultants can not only hire faster but also build a more reliable, safety-conscious workforce.
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Truck Driver Compliance & Payroll Management with Drivers Files Online
While pay matters, compliance is just as important for trucking companies. With Drivers Files Online, you can:
✔ Hire Faster with Online Driver Applications – Our online driver application system streamlines hiring, ensuring all required information is collected upfront.
✔ Verify Driving History Instantly – Get MVR reports and PSP reports in seconds.
✔ Manage CDL Compliance with Ease – Our automated reminders ensure you never miss license renewals, medical card updates, or MCS-150 filings.
✔ Stay Audit-Ready with Secure Driver Files – Keep all driver qualification records in one central system to ensure FMCSA compliance.
Looking to streamline CDL driver compliance and hiring? Get instant access to MVR reports, PSP screenings, and secure driver qualification files with Drivers Files Online. Sign up today!
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FAQs About Truck Driver Salaries
How much do truck drivers make on average?
According to the BLS, truck drivers make an average of $53,090 per year or about $25.52 per hour.
How much do truck drivers make per week?
Truckers can earn between $800 and $2,000 per week, depending on experience, miles driven, and pay structure.
How much do CDL truck drivers make per mile?
Most CDL drivers earn between $0.50 and $0.75 per mile, with specialized haulers earning more.
What is the highest-paid trucking job?
Specialized hauling, such as oversized loads and hazmat, offers the highest pay, with some drivers making over $120,000 per year.
Truck driving offers steady income, career growth, and flexibility. If you’re considering a CDL career, knowing your earning potential is key. And for trucking businesses, investing in qualified, compliant drivers is essential for success.
Streamline hiring, compliance, and payroll management with Drivers Files Online—your trusted partner in CDL compliance.
