Truck driver is one of the most popular jobs in the USA. It provides some opportunity and decent benefits. However, if you want to be a truck driver, there are more things you should know. One of them is how much do truck drivers make? This article will give useful insights about it at typestrucks.com.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
So, you might wonder on how much do truck drivers make? Well, the short answer to it is “it depends”. There are several factors that determine a truck driver’s salary. For example, it depends on which industry you are about to apply. Truck drivers are often needed in many industries in the country, and none of them are the same. It also tied to some risk factors you might face.
Your level of education and work experiences also become major factors that determine the salary range. Someone who have worked for several years equipped with multiple experiences as a truck driver might get paid more than beginners. Gaining certifications and having additional skills might also help you to gain full benefits and payment from this profession. In short, there’s no exact way in telling how much do truck drivers make a year. Several cities might also pay more for truck driving service than other smaller regions.
In average, a truck driver might receive salary range from $45,000 – $60,000. Higher level of experience might also receive up to $70,000 per year. Of course, you can also gain more by participating in endorsements, or even driving to remote areas with higher risks. You might as well wonder how much do truck drivers make an hour. According to Indeed.com, truck drivers in the US typically receive $23.25 as an average base salary. Again, it might be different according to the region.
However, you’ll also have to know that truck drivers typically don’t get paid through hourly wage or annual salary. They usually get paid on a cents per mile basis. The longer your route, usually you’ll get much higher payments. In average, a truck driver will receive between 28 to 40 cents per mile, and usually they will complete 2,000 – 3,000 miles per day. This might be different depending on the company’s policy. But, you can use this information as a general guide on how much do truck drivers make.
Which Truck Drivers Get Paid the Highest?
Another way to figure how much do truck drivers make a year can also be concluded from what type of truck they’re driving. It also includes in which industry they are currently working. Some involve high-risk distributions, but they usually get paid more than average truck drivers. So, which truck drivers get paid the highest?
Hazmat Truck Driver
For example, a hazmat truck drivers get paid higher because they carry dangerous chemicals that might caused environmental and health hazards if not properly taken care of. To be a hazmat driver, you’ll have to go through strict requirements. You’ll have to pass a Transportation, Security Administration and also going through background investigation. Additional state and federal regulations also need to be followed. In this case, the driver might receive average salary around $65,466.
Ice Road Truck Driver
You might not want to deal with hazardous chemicals and its potential dangers. And, that’s okay! If you have watched “Iced Road Truckers” on History Channel, you might be inspired to become an ice road truck driver. These drivers are most commonly found in northern latitudes in Canada during winter season. However, this is definitely a job not for the faint-hearted.
You’ll have to drive through dangerous road and challenging terrains in order to deliver cargo to some mining operations and remote towns. Annually, an ice road truck driver will receive $65.455, and you’ll also receive additional bonus. To become an ice road trucker, you’ll need several years of truck driving experience. You’ll also need to have a broad knowledge and experience with safe operations using broad range of equipment. On the other hand, ice road trucks are a seasonal job. So, you can always pursuit your other dream jobs. Or, simply enjoying the work-life balance everyone always dreams of!
Garbage Truck Driver
Or, you might consider to become a garbage truck driver. Of course, a garbage truck driver might face less risks compared to the former. Garbage truck driver mostly carry household waste and other less hazardous potential materials. They don’t usually drive for long miles too. You might wonder how much do garbage truck drivers make, and here’s the answer. The annual salary for a garbage truck driver is about $43,319. According to Comparably.com. they also receive annual bonus around $2500.
Team Drivers
Fast delivery services are on the rise. If you want to make it as an opportunity, you might want to consider to be team drivers. Team drivers is a great option for long-range load delivery. It usually consist of two drivers in the same truck and mutual destination. Compared to solo truck driving, team driving is also less physically draining. You can always take a shift with your partner, which also means you’ll take less time to rest. Companies who rely on high-speed delivery will more likely to pay more for this kind of service. Of course, it means you and your partner will also receive much higher payment. Typically, a team driver receive up to $96,573 annually.
Tow Truck Driver
A tow driver might also become your choice. You might consider this as your profession if you possess a tow truck. Or, you can also consider it because you think it is a cool job. A tow truck, or a wrecker is often used to move indisposed, impounded, and indisposed cars or other motor vehicles. The authorities might also need your help to move improperly parked vehicles. It can also give you relatively high payment, especially if you work in a tow truck company in Chicago, San Diego, and Denver.
So, how much do tow truck drivers make annually? The average annual salary for a tow driver in the US ranges about $50,463 to $65,534 with base salary about $21.83-$24.21 per hour. If you own a tow truck company, you can also add additional emergency service for your customers. The service including helping people to repair their flat tires or providing emergency power outlet for customers who ran out of their batteries.
Becoming a truck driver means you’ll have to own several qualifications and experience. The longer you work as a truck driver and the safer your driving record is, your client will more likely use your service and pay more. It’s definitely a job worth to try.
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