A research took into account three key factors: job availability, sector demand, and average annual salary to discover the best states.
Truck drivers are essential across the United States to transport goods and services that keep the supply chain running. However, there are regions where truck driving jobs are in higher demand than others, offering better pay and greater availability of employment in the sector.
In order to identify which states offer the best opportunities for truck drivers, FreightRun conducted a study using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The research took into account three key factors: job availability, sector demand, and average annual salary.

The best states to work as a truck driver
The data were combined to create an overall score of 100 to rank each state. Based on this, the states with the highest scores offer the best combination of job opportunities, demand, and pay for truck drivers. The list is as follows:
1. North Dakota
With a total score of 82.77 points, North Dakota ranks number 1. There is always a need for truck drivers due to the oil industry and agriculture, making job opportunities abundant in this state. Additionally, it has an annual salary averaging $58,680.
2. Nebraska
Nebraska ranks second with a score of 77.95. According to FreightRun’s data, 25,000 truck drivers are part of the workforce in Nebraska, transporting grains, livestock, and other agricultural components. The average annual salary in Nebraska is $58,680.

3. Wyoming
Third place goes to Wyoming, with a final score of 76.92. This state has the highest annual salary, averaging $60,030. While there is always job availability due to mining and energy companies, the demand is not as high as in the other two states.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas is a transportation hub with ample job availability for those in the trucking industry. It ranks fourth with a total of 67.06 points and an annual salary averaging $51,530.
5. Iowa
Iowa ranks fifth with a total score of 65.06. The state has a large corn and soybean market that keeps truck drivers in business. Its average annual salary is $53,470.

As can be seen, none of them achieves a perfect score, as the trucking industry still faces deficiencies in various areas. The list continues with five other states, whose scores are progressively lower. These are:
6. Mississippi: 62.83 points, average annual salary of $52,760
7. Indiana: 61.87 points, average annual salary of $57,710
8. Wisconsin: 61.76 points, average annual salary of $55,970
9. Tennessee: 61.24 points, average annual salary of $55,420
10. Texas: 60.32 points, average annual salary of $54,550
Each of these states offers various opportunities for truck drivers, and their position does not imply that they are bad places to develop within the industry. For example, Texas has the largest workforce, with approximately 212,000 truck drivers; however, the overall ranking places it in tenth place. Similarly, Wisconsin has a high salary, but the rest of the evaluations are low. This reflects that the trucking industry still has much to improve in order to provide fair opportunities to all its employees.

Volvo Pushes Beyond Diesel with New Hydrogen Combustion Truck Trials
Volvo Trucks is once again taking the lead, beginning road tests with heavy trucks equipped with hydrogen combustion engines.

Trucker Fashion: A Revolution Born on the Road That Still Sets the Trend
Trucker fashion remains relevant due to its authenticity, its seamless integration into streetwear, and its reinterpretation by luxury brands, consolidating itself as a revolution born on the road that evolved from a work uniform into a global cultural symbol

North Dakota among states regaining non-domiciled CDL authority
North Dakota will reissue approximately 150 of the 526 CDLs and CLPs for non-resident drivers that were active during the FMCSA audit.

The Growing Threat of Chameleon Fleets
A CBS ‘60 Minutes’ investigation exposes the rise of ‘Chameleon Fleets’ in the U.S. trucking industry.

US transportation begins to show signs of recovery
With tonnage at record levels and rates on the rise, carriers are leading the expansion of the logistics market. If the forecasts hold true, years of uncertainty could be over.

Trump Administration Restarts California Pipeline to Lower Gasoline Prices
Under Trump, the restart of the Santa Ynez Pipeline aims to boost local crude supply and impact gasoline prices amid persistently high energy costs in California.
