Truck Driver Salary Guide 2025
Truck driver salaries vary significantly based on experience, route type, endorsements, and location. This guide provides current salary ranges to help you understand your earning potential.
Average Salaries by Experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Weekly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 years) | $45,000 - $55,000 | $865 - $1,060 |
| Mid-Level (1-3 years) | $55,000 - $70,000 | $1,060 - $1,350 |
| Experienced (3-5 years) | $65,000 - $85,000 | $1,250 - $1,635 |
| Veteran (5+ years) | $75,000 - $100,000+ | $1,440 - $1,920+ |
Salaries by Route Type
OTR (Over-the-Road) Drivers
$55,000 - $90,000/year
OTR drivers typically earn more due to longer hours and time away from home. Pay is often calculated per mile (typically $0.45 - $0.65/mile for company drivers).
Regional Drivers
$50,000 - $75,000/year
Regional routes offer a balance of good pay and more predictable home time. Usually home weekly or every other week.
Local Drivers
$45,000 - $70,000/year
Local drivers are typically home daily. Pay is often hourly ($18 - $28/hour) rather than per mile.
Dedicated Routes
$55,000 - $80,000/year
Consistent routes and schedules with the same customer. Offers stability with competitive pay.
Higher-Paying Specializations
Specialized endorsements and freight types can significantly increase your earning potential:
- Hazmat Haulers: $65,000 - $95,000 (10-15% premium)
- Tanker Drivers: $60,000 - $90,000
- Oversized Load Specialists: $70,000 - $100,000+
- Ice Road Truckers: $50,000 - $80,000 (seasonal, 3-4 months)
- Owner-Operators: $150,000 - $300,000+ gross (before expenses)
Top-Paying States
Average annual salaries for truck drivers by state:
- Wyoming: $72,000
- North Dakota: $70,000
- Alaska: $68,000
- Nevada: $65,000
- California: $64,000
Note: Cost of living varies significantly by state.
Additional Compensation
Beyond base pay, many trucking jobs offer:
- Sign-on Bonuses: $1,000 - $15,000 for experienced drivers
- Safety Bonuses: Monthly or quarterly bonuses for clean records
- Referral Bonuses: $500 - $2,500 for referring other drivers
- Performance Bonuses: Based on fuel efficiency, on-time delivery
- Per Diem: Tax-free daily allowance for meals ($50-70/day)
Benefits to Consider
When comparing job offers, factor in the full compensation package:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Tuition reimbursement for CDL training