The industry offers various job options with above-average salaries, and it is not limited to experienced drivers. Get to know them.
The benefits of a career in trucking are notable: a competitive salary, the freedom of life on the road, and the opportunity to travel across the United States while transporting goods. With a clean driving record, you can access excellent opportunities, whether you have years of experience or want to start from a truck driving school. The industry offers various job options with above-average salaries, and it is not limited to experienced drivers.
GoBakingRates has published a list of the highest-paying jobs in the trucking industry. Although these figures may vary, as the last update was in November 2023, the list remains relevant. Below, we present some of the highest-paying jobs in this sector, based on annual salaries.

The highest-paying jobs in the trucking industry
1. Hazmat Drivers
As the name suggests, these truck drivers are responsible for transporting hazardous materials, ranging from explosives to poisonous substances. To do this safely and legally, they must have a Hazmat endorsement. For this reason, the average annual salary for these drivers ranges from $70,475 to $85,000.
2. Ice Truck Drivers
This doesn’t refer to drivers transporting ice, but rather those working in areas or during seasons where trucks must operate in freezing conditions. Since this is seasonal work, salaries aren’t constant; however, these drivers can earn between $30,000 and $40,000 in three months. The average annual salary ranges from $66,917 to $120,000.
3. Mining Industry Drivers
These drivers are responsible for transporting large-scale products in dump trucks within mines. They must be highly qualified and operate with extreme safety to avoid accidents in confined spaces and on the roads. The average annual salary for these drivers ranges from $62,868 to $108,160.

4. Oversized Load Drivers
This type of driving requires specialized skills to transport large loads, which can range from 8.5 to 12 feet wide. According to GoBankingRates, these drivers have an average annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $71,091.
5. Owner-Operators
As truck owners who negotiate their own deals, these drivers have greater control over their finances. However, they also face higher expenses, which reduce their total earnings. Despite this, owner-operators can earn average annual salaries ranging from $140,000 to $323,870.
6. Private Fleet Drivers
A private fleet driver works for chains, large retailers, or regional stores that handle shipments with their own fleet of trucks. These jobs are often found at large warehouses like Walmart, with an average annual salary ranging from $37,100 to $110,000.

7. Regional Truck Drivers
Regional truck drivers typically operate within a 1,000-mile radius of their main base, meaning they spend less time away from home. However, as a result, salaries may vary depending on the location and the company. The average annual salary ranges from $38,220 to $71,882.
8. Team Truck Drivers
Typically, team drivers work in pairs, taking turns behind the wheel. Since this team-driving style improves efficiency, companies tend to offer better compensation. The average annual salary ranges from $101,079 to $119,464.
9. Tanker Truck Drivers
Lastly, truck drivers who transport liquids in containers and tankers, often involving large volumes of cargo, must take strict precautions, as the materials transported, such as gasoline or propane, are often highly flammable. These drivers record average annual earnings of $90,894.


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Informative list of high-paying trucking careers! Which role do you think offers the best balance between income and work-life balance?