How Much Do Truck Drivers Make? A Complete Answer

The average truck driver earns around $92,000 per year, with entry-level salaries starting at $50,000 and top earners making over $200,000 annually. Still wondering how do much truck drivers make a year? Whether you’re exploring a new career path or managing a fleet, understanding truck driver pay is essential for success in the logistics industry. This guide covers everything—from per-mile and hourly rates to job types, location-based trends, and key factors that influence earnings. Let’s dive in!

How much do truck drivers make on average?

Currently, truck drivers in the U.S. earn an average salary of around $92,000 per year, according to Indeed.

Pay can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and the driving job type. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Entry-Level Drivers: Around $50,000/year
• Full Salary Range: From $40,000 to $207,000/year

Let’s break it down:

• Hourly: ~$30
• Daily: ~$350
• Weekly: ~$1,690
• Monthly: ~$6,500

Note: These numbers are estimated averages and may fluctuate based on market trends, job location, and company pay structures.

How much do truck drivers make based on pay structure?

Most drivers are either paid by the mile or by the hour. Let’s explore how these work:

Per mile

According to Indeed, most truckers are compensated on a per-mile basis, with rates ranging from $0.37 to $1.79 per mile. The rate depends heavily on whether you’re driving solo, with a partner, or as an owner-operator, and also on the type of route you drive. More specifically:

Pay by Operating Mode

• Company Team Drivers: Driving as part of a team can significantly increase miles covered, even if individual driving hours are split. Team drivers usually earn between $0.48 and $0.75 per mile.
  
• Company Solo Drivers: Solo drivers working for a company typically manage their own schedules and routes, earning between $0.40 and $0.64 per mile.
  
• Owner-Operators: As independent contractors who operate their own rigs, owner-operators earn higher mileage rates—ranging from $0.94 to $1.79 per mile. 

Pay by Route Type

• OTR (Over-the-Road) Drivers: These drivers cover long-haul routes across multiple states and may spend weeks away from home. They tend to earn between $0.44 and $0.58 per mile.
  
• Regional Drivers: Operating within a specific region, these drivers are usually home more often and earn around $0.37 to $0.55 per mile.
  
• Local Drivers: These drivers stay within their local area and often return home daily. Local route pay ranges from $0.42 to $0.71 per mile.

Per hour

Local or regional drivers, especially those who stay within city limits, are more likely to be paid hourly.

• Rates typically range from $13 to $68 per hour, with an average of around $30 per hour. 
• Overtime may apply depending on the employer

This structure offers more predictable income and is common among delivery, garbage, and construction truck drivers.

How much do truck drivers make by job type?

Different types of trucking jobs come with vastly different pay levels. Specialized hauling typically pays more but also requires more skill and licensing.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top 10 highest-paying jobs for truck drivers

• Owner-Operators: $300,000+ per year, but with much higher expenses
• Long-haul Truck Drivers: $100,000+ per year
• Team Drivers: $100,000+ per year
• Specialty Vehicle Haulers: $98,000+ per year
• Liquid/Tanker Drivers: $90,000+ per year
• HazMat Drivers: $85,000+ per year
• Oversize Load Drivers: $80,000+ per year
• Regional Truck Drivers: $75,000+ per year

For more detailed information about top high-paying jobs, check out our post on How much CDL drivers make. 

What affects truck drivers’ income?

While pay structures and job types matter, several additional factors shape a truck driver’s overall earnings. Below are the most impactful:

Geography 

Wages can vary dramatically from one state to another. States with challenging weather, remote routes, or higher living costs tend to offer better pay. Here are the top 9 highest-paying cities for truck drivers, according to Indeed:

Experience and safety record

Like in any profession, experience pays off. A driver with 5+ years on the road and a clean driving record can earn more than a new driver.

Some carriers even offer safety and loyalty bonuses based on:

• Accident-free miles
• Years of service
• On-time delivery rates

Type of freight and distance driven

The kind of cargo you haul matters. Specialized freight often comes with hazards, time sensitivity, or regulatory requirements, which means higher pay.

Examples include:

• Hazmat (Hazardous Materials)
• Oversized/Heavy Loads
• Refrigerated Freight (Reefer)
• Livestock or High-value cargo

Route Types

Your route pattern can influence both mileage and income:

• OTR (Over-the-Road): Higher mileage = higher earning potential
• Regional Routes: Moderate pay with predictable regional loops
• Local Routes: Lower mileage pay, but consistent home time and potential hourly wages

Company Size & Reputation

Large, national carriers often offer:

• Structured pay scales
• Performance bonuses
• Retirement and health benefits

Meanwhile, smaller carriers may offer:

• Flexible schedules
• Negotiable pay
• Closer relationships with dispatch and management

Both have pros and cons, but company reputation and culture can heavily impact driver satisfaction and earnings over time.

FAQs

1. Do truck drivers make good money?

Yes, many truck drivers make competitive wages, especially in rêcnet years. The average salary across the U.S. is around $92,000 per year, according to Indeed. Entry-level positions start at about $50,000, but experienced drivers, owner-operators, or those in specialized roles can earn over $100,000 annually. Factors like job type, route, and location can significantly impact pay.

2. How much do truck drivers make a year?

Truck drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $207,000 per year, depending on experience, type of employer, and role. Here’s a quick salary snapshot:

• Entry-level: Around $50,000/year
• Average: Around $92,000/year
• Top earners (owner-operators, team drivers): Over $100,000/year
• Specialty haulers (hazmat, oversized loads): $85,000–$100,000+/year

3. What is the highest-paid truck driver job?

The highest-paid truck driving job is typically an owner-operator, with potential annual earnings of $300,000+, though expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance are self-covered. 

Final thoughts

Now you have the answer to the question “How much do truck drivers make?”. It’s clear that trucking is not only a stable profession, but also a highly rewarding one, with opportunities to earn big based on your experience, route, and dedication.

If you’re ready to hit the road and take control of your income, there’s no better time to get started. Begin your journey by earning your CDL today. We’re here to support you every step of the way—from training resources to answering your questions about licensing and career paths.