Truck Driver Salary Guide 2025
Complete compensation overview including pay rates, benefits, and earning potential across all trucking sectors
Truck Driver Salary Overview
National Average Salaries
Official Salary Data:
Pay Structure Types
- Per Mile: $0.40 - $0.70 per mile
- Hourly: $18 - $30 per hour
- Percentage: 25% - 30% of load revenue
- Salary: $45,000 - $75,000 annually
- Owner-Operator: $1.20 - $2.50 per mile (gross)
Pay Structure Resources:
Factors Affecting Pay
- Years of experience
- Geographic location
- Type of freight/cargo
- Route type (OTR, Regional, Local)
- CDL endorsements
- Company size and benefits
- Safety record and performance
- Equipment type and age
Industry Analysis:
Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
Per Mile: $0.35 - $0.45
Hourly: $18 - $22
Weekly: $800 - $1,000
Typical Positions:
- Company driver trainee
- Regional delivery driver
- Local route driver
- Team driver (with mentor)
Experienced (3-5 Years)
Per Mile: $0.45 - $0.55
Hourly: $22 - $26
Weekly: $1,000 - $1,300
Typical Positions:
- OTR company driver
- Dedicated route driver
- Regional driver
- Specialized freight driver
Senior (5+ Years)
Per Mile: $0.55 - $0.65
Hourly: $26 - $32
Weekly: $1,300 - $1,600
Typical Positions:
- Lead driver
- Trainer/mentor
- Specialized transport
- High-value cargo driver
Owner-Operator/Specialized
Per Mile: $1.20 - $2.50 (gross)
Net Income: $60,000 - $120,000
Weekly: $1,500 - $3,000+
Typical Positions:
- Independent owner-operator
- Hazmat specialist
- Oversized load driver
- Lease operator
Experience-Based Salary Research:
Salary by Location
Highest Paying States
Major Metropolitan Areas
Cost of Living Considerations
- High Cost Areas: California, New York, Hawaii
- Moderate Cost Areas: Texas, Florida, Illinois
- Low Cost Areas: Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas
- Best Value: North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska
Higher salaries in expensive areas may not translate to better purchasing power.
Location-Based Salary Data:
Salary by Truck Type & Route
Over-the-Road (OTR)
Per Mile: $0.40 - $0.60
Weekly Miles: 2,500 - 3,000
Home Time: 1-2 days per month
Advantages:
- Higher mileage potential
- Consistent work
- Travel opportunities
Regional Driving
Per Mile: $0.45 - $0.55
Weekly Miles: 2,000 - 2,500
Home Time: Weekends
Advantages:
- Better work-life balance
- Familiar routes
- Regular home time
Local/City Driving
Hourly: $20 - $28
Daily Hours: 8 - 10
Home Time: Daily
Advantages:
- Home every night
- Predictable schedule
- Less wear on equipment
Specialized Transport
Per Mile: $0.60 - $1.00+
Per Load: $500 - $2,000+
Requirements: Special endorsements
Types:
- Hazmat transport
- Oversized loads
- Car hauling
- Refrigerated freight
Truck Type Salary Research:
Salary by CDL Endorsements
Hazmat (H) Endorsement
Per Mile Bonus: $0.05 - $0.15
Hourly Premium: $2 - $5
Load Bonus: $50 - $200
Requirements:
- TSA background check
- Fingerprinting
- Written exam
- Clean driving record
Passenger (P) Endorsement
Bus Driver: $35,000 - $55,000
Charter/Tour: $40,000 - $65,000
School Bus: $25,000 - $45,000
Opportunities:
- City transit systems
- Tour companies
- School districts
- Charter services
Double/Triple (T) Endorsement
Per Mile Bonus: $0.02 - $0.08
LTL Companies: Higher base pay
Linehaul: Premium rates
Common Employers:
- FedEx Freight
- UPS Freight
- Old Dominion
- XPO Logistics
Combination Endorsements
H + N (HazMat + Tank): Premium rates
Multiple endorsements: More opportunities
Specialized roles: Higher compensation
High-Value Combinations:
- Hazmat + Tank (X)
- Passenger + School Bus
- All endorsements
- TWIC card addition
Endorsement Value Research:
Benefits & Total Compensation
Health & Medical Benefits
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Wellness programs
Many companies cover 80-100% of employee premiums
Retirement & Financial
- 401(k) with company match (3-6%)
- Profit sharing
- Stock options (public companies)
- Financial planning services
- Employee stock purchase plans
Company 401(k) match is essentially free money
Performance & Bonuses
- Safety bonuses ($500 - $2,000)
- Performance bonuses
- Fuel efficiency bonuses
- Referral bonuses ($500 - $1,500)
- Longevity bonuses
Top performers can earn significant bonus income
Additional Perks
- Paid time off (1-4 weeks)
- Paid holidays
- Per diem allowances
- Equipment/truck assignments
- Training and development
- Employee discounts
Per diem can add $50-80 per day for OTR drivers
Total Compensation Example
Benefits Research:
Salary Trends & Industry Outlook
Recent Salary Trends (2020-2025)
*Projected based on current market conditions
Market Drivers
- Driver Shortage: 80,000+ driver deficit driving wages up
- E-commerce Growth: Increased demand for freight transport
- Infrastructure Investment: Government spending on roads/bridges
- Regulatory Changes: ELD mandate, safety requirements
- Fuel Costs: Impact on per-mile rates and bonuses
- Technology: Automation concerns vs. efficiency gains
Future Outlook (2025-2030)
Job Growth
+6% (faster than average)
Salary Growth
+3-5% annually
Technology Impact
Enhanced efficiency, not replacement
Specialization Premium
Increasing value for specialized skills
Industry Outlook Resources:
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