How Much Do Semi Truck Drivers Make?

How much do semi truck drivers make? Semi truck drivers are the backbone of America, spending countless hours on the road to achieve deliveries. Trucking is truly a lifestyle. We all know they are vital to the supply chain, but does the salary reflect that? In this article, you will learn the answer to the question, “How much do semi truck drivers make?”, the average semi truck driver’s salary, and the average US truck driver’s salary amounts.

Semi Truck Driver Salary

So, how much do semi truck drivers make? The semi truck driver’s salary can be calculated using a few methods. These methods include the number of miles driven, the weight of the truck, and hours driven. So, how much do semi truck drivers make when they travel long distances? Some semi truck drivers are paid by the mile. The further they travel, the higher their salary. Pay-by-mile is a very common payment style.

There are other factors that will change a truck driver’s salary. There are two main reasons why your salary may differ from the salary of a colleague. Much of what you can expect to make comes down to your trucking experience and where you are located.

Experience

It stands to reason that a trucker with three decades of experience is going to make more than someone who is just starting, but how much do semi truck drivers make when they are just starting? Trainees do have some upfront costs, including driving school and more. Driving schools can cost more than $10,000. If you look for them, you may be able to find tuition reimbursement and financial aid to offset some of the cost.

First-year drivers, or rookie drivers, have about one year of experience. They have their license and are beginning to gain experience, but have not experienced everything they may come across as a truck driver. So, how much does a truck driver make as a rookie? A truck driver’s salary in this category earns around $35,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the size of the company they are working for. 

Once a truck driver has a few years under their belt and has hauled cargo many times, they are considered an experienced truck driver. With experience comes a pay increase. At this point in their careers, truck drivers can expect to make around $60,000 per year. Just as experience comes with higher pay, so too does an increase in education. Truck drivers can earn additional endorsements for a CDL license. Some endorsements include a CDL-N allowing the truck driver to transport liquids, CDL-H allowing drivers to transport hazardous materials, CDL-P allowing drivers to transport people, CDL-S allowing the driver to drive school buses, CDL-T allowing drivers to haul more than one trailer, and CDL-X allowing drivers to transport hazardous liquid or gasses. The more types of cargo you can haul, the bigger your opportunity to make money. For example, drivers with the CDL-N can make around $64,000 per year.

Owner-operators can make some of the highest incomes. Owner-operators own their own truck. They may even own a fleet. So, how much do truck drivers make as owner-operators?  These drivers can make around $96,000, but are responsible for covering additional expenses. 

Location

Location is the second factor that affects the answer to “How much do semi truck drivers make?” Drivers based out of Texas tend to make less than drivers based out of Illinois. Drivers based out of Idaho tend to make less than those based out of Oregon. This pay difference comes down to a lot of things, including cost of living within a specific state and the demand for the job. If you live in a state with a high cost of living and a current driver shortage, you will likely be paid more than you would if you lived in a state with a low cost of living and an overabundance of drivers. To figure out if your semi truck salary is fair, be sure to look at statistics for your state and experience level. The highest-paying states are New York, New Jersey, and Indiana. 

How Much Do Semi Truck Drivers Make?

With all these factors playing into the US truck driver’s salary, how can you know what to expect? When searching for jobs, make sure to ask what they pay, and if it is hourly, by weight, by time, or another factor. Be sure to educate yourself on the average semi truck driver salary for your state and experience level. 

You might be feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the numbers. If you want a semi truck driver’s salary in simple numbers, consider looking at the average. So, how much do semi truck drivers make on average? On average, the US truck driver’s salary is $28.69 per hour, or about $59,684 per year. It is important to remember that this is just an average. At the beginning of your career, you will most likely make less than this, and at the peak of your career you could make considerably more.

US Truck Driver Salary

The US truck driver’s salary is a point of contention for many. For all their hard work, an average of $59,684 seems somewhat low. At Handshake Fleet we understand the importance of having the tools to get the job done so you can get paid. Owner-operators may make the most money, but they also need to cover their own expenses. At Handshake Fleet, you can find quality new and used trucks and trailers to fit your budget, so you can get on the road and start earning money. For any further questions, be sure to reach out to Handshake Fleet. We will be happy to assist you.