How Much Do Truck Drivers Make

Truck drivers play a crucial role in transportation as they deliver goods and materials across the country. As a result, the demand for truck drivers is high, but many people are still curious about their earnings. In this article, we'll explore the answer to the question, "How much do truck drivers make?"

The median pay for truck drivers in the United States is around $45,000 annually. However, the amount a truck driver can earn varies greatly based on several factors, such as experience, type of cargo, region, and if you are a driver or owner-operator. For example, long-haul truck drivers who make cross-country trips can earn a higher salary than regional drivers who stick to shorter routes. In addition, drivers who haul hazardous materials or operate specialized equipment, such as flatbeds or refrigerated trailers, can earn a higher wage. Read on, and you will find out how some truck drivers take home over $250,000 annually.

It's important to note that truck drivers are typically paid by the mile or by the load. This means the more miles a driver covers, the more money they can earn. The average long-haul truck driver can cover anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week, with some drivers covering even more. This can result in a substantial increase in their earnings. Additionally, experienced drivers with a clean driving record and the necessary certifications can earn a higher wage than entry-level drivers.

Working conditions for truck drivers can be grueling, as they often spend long hours on the road and away from their families. This can take a physical and mental toll on a driver, and as a result, many trucking companies offer benefits to their drivers to help offset the costs of living on the road. These benefits may include health insurance, paid vacation time, and retirement plans.

In addition to the traditional pay structure, many trucking companies also offer incentives to their drivers to encourage high performance. For example, drivers who consistently meet or exceed their delivery goals may receive bonuses or other rewards. This can significantly increase a driver's earnings and help to offset the costs of running their truck and maintaining their equipment.

HOW MUCH DOES A TRUCK DRIVER MAKE?

Although truck drivers are often told that they earn the same in the United States as other workers, the truth is that their salary depends on many factors.

WHAT IMPACTS THE SALARY FOR A TRUCK DRIVER

First, drivers' geography impacts their earnings. In general, the West and South offer lower wages than companies in the rest of the country. However, regardless of where they are based or working in the state, there is a small wage gap for OTR (over-the-road) truckers.

Your route will also affect your salary. Your pay will depend on whether you drive local, regional, or OTR routes. OTR drivers make more money than regional drivers, as they spend long periods away. Regional drivers also make more than local drivers because they are home more often every week, while local drivers return home every day.

The type and size of your trailer will also impact the amount you receive. For example, dry van drivers make less than reefer truckers, who, in turn, make less than flatbed drivers.

Another factor determining the driver's experience is how long they have been driving. Truckers with less experience or none earn less than those with many years of experience. This is partly because inexperienced drivers mean that carriers have to pay more for insurance.

Your earnings as a driver are determined by company size. Your wages may be higher if you drive for a smaller company than those of your peers who work for larger companies. Small companies can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and raise driver pay. There are potential downsides, however. Larger carriers offer stability and a more experienced management team. These are two things smaller; independent carriers may not be capable of providing.

WHAT IS THE VERIFICATION OF A TRUCK DRIVER'S PERFORMANCE RATES?

According to Indeed estimates, and keep in mind that estimates can be misleading -- they are estimates -- and may vary from week to week or month to month -- the average truck driver's salary in the United States is the following (considering the 11-hour driving limit).

• $26.79 an hour
• $306 per day.
• $1,474 per week.
• $5,705 per month.
• $80,583 annually

You may also be eligible for other benefits and bonuses based on company policies and external factors, such as adverse weather, economic swings, higher demand due to supply chain problems, etc.

Description of Pay Per Mile Method

Truckers tend to prefer charging per mile as they consider it fair compensation. The factors mentioned earlier will affect the cost per mile (CPM). Statista calculates the median CPM of truckers in 2020 at $0.57/mile.

TOP STATES FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

Seek Capital, a financial service firm that has helped more than 500 companies to start or grow their business, created the data set and chart specifically for the trucking sector. This chart has been copied and pasted by other trucker-pay websites to assist those who need to understand the wages at the state level for non-trucking occupations. It's not from 2019, so it was pre-pandemic. However, trucker wages fluctuate just like any other profession. Other trucker pay websites can use this chart as a reference point to help those who need to understand the state level of trucker wages.

These are the top states for truck drivers in terms of CPM and annual income compared to the average per-capita income of non-trucking workers in those states. For example, the average income of truck drivers in Nevada is 20% more than that of non-trucking jobs, while the same $50K is 25% less than Connecticut's average per capita income. (The Seek Capital figures for annual income are estimates, and the cents per mile statistics come from Indeed.

SALARY OF A TRUCK DRIVER BY TRAILER

Commercial trucking requires a variety of trailers and trucks. The specifications of a truck will be focused on performance. However, trailer types vary based on the application requirements. Some are designed to haul farm products and consumer goods, while others can transport hazardous chemicals and minerals.

Some truck drivers require special endorsements to transport these loads. The following factors affect the earnings of truck drivers:

REQUIRED SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT

A special endorsement is an addition to your regular driver license. While to become a truck driver you only need to get a Class-A CDL license, to get even better pay, you will have to get endorsements.

HAZMAT TRUCKS (H-ENDORSEMENT)

Hazmat driving costs $0.60- $0.80 per mile. Drivers earn between $68,750 to $100,000 annually as hazmat truckers, depending on how much work they do. To operate these trucks, you will need a TSA-issued HazMat endorsement. This can help you earn a higher salary. Want to learn how you can get a hazmat endorsement? Check out our article.

DOUBLES/TRIPLES (T ENDORSEMENT)

This endorsement allows you to drive with more trailers attached. These vehicles are also known as "long-combination vehicles" or LCVs. Therefore, this endorsement may also be called an LCV endorsement. The average salary for a double-trailer truck driver is $62,500 to $93,750 per year. The CPM can range from $0.50 to $0.75.

You must pass a written knowledge test to qualify for a T endorsement. This includes preventing trailers from rolling over and understanding how trailers are coupled and decoupled correctly. This endorsement can also increase your salary.

TANKERS (N-ENDORSEMENT)

Tank vehicles can safely transport liquids or liquefied gaseous materials. You can operate a vehicle with a temporary or permanent tank attached by an N endorsement.

This category of drivers requires a CDL certificate different from regular hazmat endorsements. The average annual salary for tanker truck drivers is $75,000 to $106,250 if they drive more than 2500 miles per week at $0.60- $0.85 CPM.

HAZMAT AND TANKER (X ENDORSEMENT)

After passing the compulsory knowledge test, the "X" endorsement (also known as the Tanker/Hazmat Combo endorsement) allows you to drive tankers or other vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Truckers who transport hazardous materials earn $0.60-$0.85 per mile. They also earn between $68,750 and $106,250 annually.

TRUCKS WITHOUT A SPECIAL ENDORSEMENT

FLATBED TRUCK DRIVER SALARY

The average flatbed truck driver's salary is between $80,000 to $90,000. Nationally, the average weekly salary per mile is $0.50 to $0.60. This puts you at $1,250 - 1,500. However, bonus pay is available from most companies for tarping. Therefore, you can expect to receive $200-$350 per week. 

DRY VAN DRIVER'S SALARY

Dry van truck drivers earn between $60,000 and $65,000 annually and $1,200 to $1,300 per week. CPM's average dry van driver salary is $0.48- $0.52. The cost per day is approximately $250-$270.

SALARY OF A REFRIGERATED TRUCK DRIVER

Refrigerated truck drivers (reefers) transport perishable goods from one state to the next. The average salary for a reefer truck driver is $65,000 per year. A reefer truck driver can earn $1,300 per week driving $0.52 per mile.

OVERSIZED LOAD TRUCK DRIVER SALARY

You can expect a $118,750 average annual salary for a driver of oversized load trucks if you are transporting heavy-duty equipment across the country.

SALARY FOR A TRUCK DRIVER BY ROUTE TYPE (DISTANCE)

A truck driver's salary can be affected by their route and the amount of money they are paid. The three main categories of route classification are OTR (as in long-haul trucking), Regional (which means you will be driving mostly through one region of the country like the Midwest or Northeast Corridor), and Local. This is exactly what it sounds too -- you're more likely to return home every day.

OTR (OVER-THE-ROAD DRIVER) SALARY

Long-haul truckers, also known as over-the-road (or long-haul), specialize in moving long freight distances. They often transport freight between states or across borders. According to recent estimates and extrapolations based on a dry van driver's salary, the average OTR truck driver's salary is approximately $70,000 annually.

OTR truckers can earn $0.90 per mile depending on their load and experience. This roughly equals $2,250 per week. Learn more about What is an OTR truck driver.

REGIONAL TRUCK DRIVER'S SALARY

OTR drivers earn slightly more than truckers who transport freight on regional routes. ZipRecruiter states that the average salary for a regional truck driver is $60,000/year or $1,200/week. In addition, regional truck drivers earn $0.60 to $0.70 per mile.

WHAT ARE THE LOCAL TRUCK DRIVERS ABLE TO MAKE?

Local drivers often do not require endorsements. Glassdoor states that local truckers earn an average of $50,000 yearly without any bonuses. The average weekly salary for a local truck driver is $1000.

SALARY OF A TRUCK DRIVER BY OPERATING MODE

SOLO TRUCK DRIVER'S SALARY

Solo driving is when you travel alone. It can be lonely to ride alone, especially for long trips. You don't have to share your earnings. The average salary for a solo truck driver is $60,000 (gross).

SALARY FOR TEAM TRUCK DRIVERS

Truckers can choose to work together rather than going it alone. This operating model allows you to partner with a spouse or friend. Because you can deliver your freight in half the time it normally takes, team trucking often works better than solo operations. Two-person partnerships pay $0.75 to $0.90 per mile for team drivers.

While most teams share the costs and return equally, some members may be able to share their earnings based on their initial contributions. For example, the average salary for a team truck driver is between $80K to $90K per year. You can find out if a job as a team truck driver is right if you read our article What is team truck driving?

SALARY FOR OWNER-OPERATOR

Solo owners prefer to be involved in the business and act as owners and operators. However, this model has one major drawback: transporting goods alone can limit your ability to concentrate on administrative tasks. The trucker who drives 500 miles daily earns around $120K to $140K. This does not include maintenance costs. Your preferences in routes, load types, and other factors will affect your salary.

LEASE OPERATOR SALARY

Indeed, the average salary for a lease operator is hard to calculate because of the huge disparity between job volume and distance. However, the average salary is between $90K and $120K.

EXPERIENCE - SALARY OF A TRUCK DRIVER

Employers will pay more for your experience in this field than any other. So let's talk about how experience affects the salary of a CDL A driver.

STARTER SALARY CDL A DRIVERS

All new truck drivers must begin with entry-level wages and work their way up. You can earn a different amount than someone who has years of experience working in the same field and the same operating model, even if you have CDL Class A Certification.

The average truck driver's salary in America is $40,000 per year. These new drivers can charge $0.30 to $0.40 per mile for small businesses. Larger corporations may pay $0.50 per mile.

EXPERIENCED CDL-A DRIVER SALARY

Experience brings you a greater understanding of industry regulations. You will also learn how to maximize your earnings while keeping within the local, regional, or interstate driving limits.

A proven track record of delivering services for other companies can give you leverage to negotiate lower prices. In addition, experienced drivers are more skilled at commercial driving.

According to market estimates, the average salary for a truck driver could be between $90K and $120K, depending on where they live, their routes, and endorsements. While the average CPM for truck drivers is $0.55- $0.75, experienced drivers can earn $0.85- $0.95 per mile.

EXTERNAL FACTORS THAT AFFECT SALARY

The average CDL A driver's income fluctuates predictably. Therefore, we have examined the main factors affecting truck driver wages. In addition, the following external factors can impact the total payment:

• Border crossing: Drivers paid hourly will have to wait at customs and border crossings to finish their work. While some companies charge extra fees for border delays, this is not often enough to compensate for lost time.
• Traffic: Trucks have a 14-hour window in which to travel between states. New York and California drivers often find themselves stuck in traffic jams for longer than the estimated delivery time.
• Weighing your load: Managers and agents handle the weighing when you work for a large company. However, if you are working with a small carrier, you will often have to double-check your load before departure and arrival. This reduces the freight time.
• Safety inspections: To ensure that your load is in good condition before you leave on your trip, it is important to conduct safety inspections (pre-trip inspection). This is especially important for tankers and hazmat trucks due to the potential consequences of any mishap. These checks should also be done after an unusual incident such as a skid, collision, or accident.
• DOT inspections Sometimes, DOT agents may need to inspect your load before departure and upon arrival. This inspection may include reweighing the shipment to ensure it matches the manifest data.
• Loading and unloading: While you wait for the client's load or unload to complete, you will be earning time, but not necessarily income. As it is still time away from home, or you can earn more driving, this will impact your bottom line.
• Repairs: If your truck has an issue, it might be necessary to stop and repair it. You can receive extra compensation if you notify the manager immediately after the incident.

Unforeseen circumstances could impact the amount you make for each operation.

WHAT ARE DKW TRUCKING SALARIES?

Even DKW Express founder has over 17 years of experience in trucking. DKW Express cares about its drivers and makes sure they receive fair wages. DKW Express also promotes a positive work environment without discrimination based on race, gender, and ethnicity.

The following is the outline of how we pay our drivers:

• Dry vans: 60-65 cents per mile or 28% from gross
• All miles paid (loaded and empty)
• Extra stops, detention and layover - all paid
• Fuel cards, cash advances
• Safety bonuses

We pay our owner operators through the following model:

• 18% plus insurance if you use our trailer
• 12% plus insurance if you are pulling your own trailer
  

Conclusion

Choosing a trucking company can be challenging, especially for someone just starting in the industry. Consider the benefits offered by the carrier and the support they offer their drivers before you make your decision. This information will help you choose the best route for your earnings and reduce uncertainty.

DKW Express is the right place to work if you want a company that cares for the driver's health and well-being. DKW Express is the preferred destination for CDL A drivers with at least six months of experience in trucking. Get started on your trucking journey by applying with us today.