Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically transport goods over short or long distances. Their job description includes operating trucks with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds per gross vehicle weight (GVW). Responsibilities may involve loading and unloading cargo, maintaining truck logs, following safety regulations, inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues, planning routes, and communicating with dispatchers.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $45,550.00 |
25th percentile | $50,500.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $57,720.00 |
75th percentile | $62,870.00 |
90th percentile | $73,360.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $21.90 |
25th percentile | $24.28 |
median (50th percentile) | $27.75 |
75th percentile | $30.23 |
90th percentile | $35.27 |
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education beyond this is not mandatory, completion of a professional truck driving school or similar training program is often necessary for acquiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). These programs usually include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to teach prospective drivers about federal regulations, vehicle maintenance, handling cargo safely, and other essential skills needed for the job. Additionally, on-the-job training with experienced drivers may be provided by some companies to further refine driving techniques and familiarize new hires with specific equipment or routes.