Driving a truck is still one of the most in-demand jobs in 2025. Drivers are needed by thousands of businesses to move goods all over the country. The most important thing for people who want to be truck drivers to know is how much they make and what affects their pay.
Some people will get a different answer. There are many things that affect how much money a truck driver makes, such as the type of license they have, the routes they drive, and whether they work close to home or far away. A CDL driver who drives freight across states can make a lot more money per hour, per week, and even per year than a local driver who drives short routes every day.
In addition to routes and licenses, jobs like owner-operators or those who take on specialized loads can also pay more than regular jobs. In other words, how much money a truck driver makes in 2025 depends on how much work they do, how much experience they have, and the choices they make about their career.
This guide makes it easy to find out the average salary for a truck driver, compare the salary of a long-haul truck driver to that of a local job, or look into the highest-paying trucking jobs.
The Average Salary for a Truck Driver in 2025
There isn’t a single answer to the question of how much truck drivers make. Pay depends on how much experience you have, what routes you drive, and what kind of job you have. But trends in the industry make it clear how income is spread out.
Here’s a breakdown of what truck drivers typically earn in 2025:
| Pay Type | Average Range |
| Per Year | Varies by role and region, with steady growth compared to previous years |
| Per Month | Consistent earnings with opportunities for bonuses and overtime |
| Per Week | Influenced by route type (long haul vs. local) and scheduling flexibility |
| Per Hour | Higher for overtime, specialized loads, or difficult routes |
How Much Truck Drivers Make by Job Type
Not every trucking job pays the same. The routes a driver takes, their duties, and the way the company is set up all have a big effect on how much money they make. This is how roles will be different in 2025:
Local Truck Driver Pay (Short Hauls, Home Every Day)
- Local drivers usually make deliveries in a certain area and go home every day. Pros: predictable schedules, steady pay every week, and more time with family.
- Not as good at making money as long-haul jobs, and there are fewer incentives based on miles.
Best Fit: Drivers who want to keep their work and personal lives in balance and have regular hours.
Long-haul truck driver salary (OTR = over the road)
- Long-haul or OTR drivers drive across state lines and spend days or weeks on the road.
- Pros: You can make more money, especially with mileage pay and bonuses.
- Cons: long periods away from home, schedules that aren’t always the same, and a busy life.
Best Fit: Drivers who want to make the most money and don’t mind spending a lot of time on the road.
Owner-Operator Truck Driver Salary: Costs vs. Profits
Owner-operators are drivers who own or lease their own trucks and work for themselves. Their pay is directly related to how well they run the business.
| Aspect | Impact on Income |
| Gross Earnings | Typically higher than company drivers |
| Expenses | Fuel, maintenance, insurance, and truck payments reduce profit margins |
| Profit | Strong potential for high income if routes are managed efficiently |
Best Fit: Experienced drivers ready to manage both driving and business operations.
Entry-Level Truck Driver Pay (First Year with a CDL)
New drivers with a CDL usually start out making less money, but they can quickly move up.
Pros: Many companies pay for training, give bonuses for signing up, and have steady job openings.
Cons: There aren’t many routes at first, assignments take longer, and there are probationary periods.
Path to Growth: Within a few years, entry-level drivers can move up to higher-paying jobs like long-haul or specialized freight.
Truck Driver Pay by State in 2025
The amount of money a truck driver makes each year, week, or hour depends a lot on where they live. Some states pay more because of the demand for freight, the power of unions, or the cost of living. Other states pay less, but their costs are lower.
California and New York are still some of the best places for truck drivers to work in 2025. There is a lot of freight movement and demand in both areas, but the higher salaries are often due to the higher cost of living in big cities. Drivers here usually make more money on paper, but their daily costs can make up for that.
Texas is a good place to be in the middle. It is one of the busiest freight hubs in the country, which means that there are always jobs for both local and long-haul drivers. The pay is good, but the cost of living is lower than in coastal states, which is why many people in the industry choose to live here.
But states like Florida and Arkansas usually pay less. However, the lower wages are often balanced by much lower living costs, so drivers can still live comfortably. Which is another factor to weigh when planning how to start trucking company operations in these regions.
Things That Affect How Much Truck Drivers Make
In 2025, truck drivers’ pay will be affected by a number of things. The amount of money each driver makes depends on their experience, the type of freight they carry, their job role, and how much demand there is in the industry.
Level of Experience
New drivers usually get paid less at first. They are still learning and working on their safe driving records. Pay goes up over time. Drivers with more experience often get better routes and pay more.
Kind of Freight
The type of freight is important. You need extra training and certifications to handle hazmat loads. To keep goods safe, refrigerated loads need to be handled with care. Oversized freight needs permits and escorts. Because they come with more risks and responsibilities, these jobs pay more.
Business Driver vs. Owner-Operator
The pay and benefits for company drivers are stable. They can count on their income, but it’s not very much. Owner-operators are in charge of their own business. They can make more money, but they also have to pay for things like gas, insurance, and repairs.
Extra pay and bonuses
More hours mean more money. Overtime pay raises the hourly wage for truck drivers. Many businesses also give bonuses for being safe, using less gas, or getting deliveries on time. These add up and make your yearly income go up.
Demand by season
During busy times, pay can go up. Holidays, harvest times, or spikes in online shopping make more freight necessary. Companies often raise prices or offer bonuses. Drivers who work during these hours can make more money.
Do truck drivers get paid by the mile or by the hour?
There are different ways to pay truck drivers. Per mile, per hour, or per load are the most common ways.
Pay Per Mile: Drivers get paid for each mile they drive.
- Pros: More miles usually means more money. A clear system for long-haul routes.
- Cons: Pay may go down if there are delays, traffic, or long wait times.
Hourly Pay: Drivers get paid for every hour they work.
- Pros: It’s better for local drivers who have to wait in traffic or at docks. Provides stability.
- Cons: Drivers who drive longer routes well may not get paid more.
Per Load Pay: You get paid for each load you deliver.
- Pros: If loads are frequent and efficient, it can be profitable. Promotes quick turnarounds.
- Cons: If loads are low, earnings can go down.
There are pros and cons to each system. Some long-haul drivers like per mile for consistency. Some people like to get paid by the hour or by the load so they know how much they will get.
Benefits and perks of being a truck driver
Many drivers get benefits in addition to their base salary that help their careers.
1- Insurance for health
Most businesses offer plans for health, dental, and vision care. This lowers the costs that drivers and their families have to pay out of pocket.
2- Contributions to retirement
A lot of companies offer 401(k) plans or other retirement plans. Contributions help drivers make plans for their long-term financial security.
3- Time Off with Pay
Drivers can get paid time off for holidays, sick days, and vacation days. This keeps work and personal life in balance.
4- Bonuses for Signing Up
Companies often give new drivers sign-on bonuses to get them to work for them. You can pay for these all at once or in installments after you sign up.
These benefits make trucking more than just a job. They give drivers in 2025 stability, support, and long-term value.
The best-paying trucking jobs in 2025
Not all trucking jobs are the same. Some jobs pay more because they need more skills, licenses, or the ability to take risks. Some specialized trucking jobs will pay the most in 2025.
1. Trucking with Hazardous Materials
Hazmat drivers move things that are dangerous, like chemicals, flammable liquids, or gases. There are strict safety rules for these loads, and you need both a CDL and a hazmat endorsement. Hazmat drivers usually make more money than regular freight drivers because they have more duties and risks. Companies value drivers who can move sensitive cargo safely and reliably. There will still be a high demand for certified drivers in 2025 because industries like energy and manufacturing depend on hazmat transport so much.
2. Ice Road Truckers (for the time being)
Ice road trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs in the business, but it’s also one of the most profitable. Drivers drive on frozen roads in the far north, where they often bring important supplies to mining operations or communities that are hard to get to. The job only lasts a few months each year, but the pay is good because the work is hard. Ice road truckers have to deal with roads that are always changing, freezing temperatures, and bad visibility. Not everyone is cut out for this job, but those who are willing to take on the challenge often make well above the average truck driver salary during the season.
3. People who know how to move big things
Oversized loads include things like heavy machinery, construction tools, and wind turbine blades. Moving these things requires skill, patience, and special permission. There are times when trucks need help getting where they need to go on the road. People who move big loads are very important because they can make mistakes that hurt people or cause a lot of damage. These drivers know how to plan their trips, make wide turns, and follow the rules. In 2025, oversized load trucking is still one of the best-paying trucking jobs because it is hard and requires a lot of knowledge.
4. Drivers for Private Fleets
Some big companies have their own fleets instead of hiring someone else to ship their goods. Some examples are large stores, companies that make drinks, and companies that distribute food. Drivers for private fleets often make more money than drivers for regular companies, and they may also get better benefits. These jobs are hard to get, but they are stable, have set routes, and let you use new tools. For many drivers, getting a job with a private fleet is a big deal.
What Will Happen to Truck Driver Pay in the Future
The trucking industry is always changing, and 2025 is a clear sign that drivers will be paid differently. The future of truck driver pay is being shaped by a number of things, such as rising demand, a lack of workers, and new technologies.
Getting bigger Supply Chains and eCommerce Need
Over the last ten years, e-commerce has grown rapidly, and this trend will continue until 2025. Customers want their orders delivered quickly, which makes more people want truck drivers who can move goods quickly and efficiently. At the same time, global supply chains are still under stress, which means they need dependable freight services. Companies have to offer competitive pay and better benefits to attract and keep drivers because of this steady demand. Both local routes for last-mile delivery and long-haul freight for interstate trade are expected to keep growing.
Pay Raises and a Lack of CDL Drivers
The lack of CDL drivers is another important factor that affects pay. Reports from the trucking industry say that there are still tens of thousands of trucking jobs in the U.S. that need to be filled. A lot of older drivers are retiring, and not as many younger people are getting jobs in the field. Because of this gap, employers have to compete with each other, which they often do by raising wages, giving sign-on bonuses, and making benefits better. So, the answer to the question “how much do CDL drivers make” may still be good for people who want to work in this field. In short, a shortage is good news for drivers.
The effect of technology and automation
Many people think that automation will take away trucking jobs, but in 2025, it will be more of a help than a replacement. Semi-autonomous trucks and fleet management technology are making routes more efficient, but people still need to drive. Technology is not taking away jobs; instead, it is making driving safer, less stressful, and more efficient. In the long run, this could mean more stable schedules and pay based on how much work you do. Drivers who use technology like telematics, navigation systems, and digital freight platforms are likely to be able to make more money.
What to Expect After 2025
The trucking industry is strong and will continue to be so in the future. Because of structural shortages and ongoing demand, pay is likely to stay high. Salaries for specialized jobs, like those that deal with dangerous freight or big loads, will continue to be higher than average. At the same time, younger drivers who are just starting out will benefit from better training programs and pay structures that are easier to understand.
Conclusion
Driving a truck in 2025 is still a job that pays well and is stable for a long time. Drivers can make more money in a lot of different ways, such as by doing specialized freight, working overtime, and getting bonuses. Pay varies by job, experience, and location. Hazmat drivers, oversized load specialists, and private fleet drivers are examples of high-demand jobs that pay six figures.
Trucking is a competitive option compared to many other fields because it offers good benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and sign-on bonuses in addition to a good salary. The future looks good for truck driver pay because e-commerce is growing and there is still a shortage of CDLs.
If you’re thinking about going into this field, now is the time to look into training programs or job openings that can lead to both stability and growth. Companies like Hollywood Entertainment Transport (HET) highlight how professional drivers remain essential, not only in freight but also in specialized logistics for entertainment and touring.
FAQs
Can truck drivers make $100,000 a year?
Yes. It’s not something that happens to all drivers, but it is possible. Some specialized jobs, like hazmat trucking, hauling big loads, or working for a private fleet, can pay six figures. Workload and experience are also important.
What is the highest paid truck driver?
In 2025, some of the highest-paid truck drivers will be hazmat drivers, ice road truckers, oversized load specialists, and private fleet drivers. These jobs pay more because they require extra skills, certifications, or risk.
Does Walmart offer $110,000 salary to new drivers?
Walmart has gotten a lot of attention for paying drivers well to get and keep them. Walmart is known for paying its fleet drivers more than average and giving them good benefits, though exact numbers depend on where they work and how much experience they have.
What truck drivers make $300,000 a year?
It’s not common to make $300,000 a year, and it’s usually only independent owner-operators who run their own business, manage multiple contracts, and handle specialized freight. In addition to driving, you need to be good at business to be successful at this level.
Is truck driving a wealthy career?
How you see wealth matters. Driving a truck is a steady job that can pay well in certain areas. Not every driver gets rich, but many do have stable finances, good benefits, and the freedom to change jobs.
Can you make 6 figures as a trucker?
Yes. With experience, specialized endorsements, and dedication, truckers can cross the six-figure threshold. Roles such as hazmat, oversized load, and private fleet driving are the most common paths.
