Truck driver salaries: challenges, earnings, and expenses on the road

How much does a truck driver make? Over the years, truck driver wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.

Life on the road comes with both its luxuries and sacrifices. For many, being a truck driver means embarking on adventures across different states, discovering new places, and enjoying the peace of long drives. However, working conditions vary greatly depending on the area of specialization. Likewise, the average salary for truck drivers can differ significantly based on the type of work they do.

Truck drivers are the backbone of the U.S. economy. They keep the supply chain moving and ensure deliveries are made accurately and on time. For that reason, their salaries should reflect the hard work and major sacrifices that come with the profession. So, how much does a truck driver really earn?

How much does a truck driver make?

According to data from the National Transportation Institute, in 1980 truck drivers earned an average of $38,000 to $39,000 per year, which today would be equivalent to approximately $135,000 to $150,000, based on information from FleetOwner. However, the current average salary for a truck driver falls far short of those inflation-adjusted figures.

Over the years, truck driver wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Factors such as freight rates, driver availability, and capacity demand also significantly impact earnings in the industry. Although salaries have increased somewhat in recent years, the gains have not been enough to match the purchasing power drivers had decades ago.

Since driver pay varies depending on the type of freight they haul, it’s important to break down the different categories of truckers to understand current averages. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the average annual salary for drivers is as follows:

Freight truck drivers: $76,420
LTL (less-than-truckload) line-haul drivers: $94,525
Local LTL drivers: $80,680
Private fleet drivers: $95,114
Independent contractors leased to freight carriers: $186,016

These figures represent general averages, as actual earnings can vary depending on experience level, safety record, geographic location, type of equipment, and employer.

Average expenses for truck drivers

How a truck driver is paid has a significant impact on their income. While salaried drivers receive a fixed wage, others—particularly those driving Over The Road (OTR)—may be paid by the mile or per load. Pay-per-mile has been the most common method since the 1930s, with drivers earning a set rate for each mile driven, depending on the company.

Some regional or delivery-based operations pay drivers by the hour. This model is typical for private fleets, where drivers often perform additional duties such as unloading freight or stocking store shelves. Owner-operators, on the other hand, have greater control over their earnings since they choose which loads to haul and how many jobs to take on annually.

Unlike many other professions, truck drivers often face significant personal expenses that affect their take-home pay. While some companies reimburse certain costs, such as parking, this isn’t a universal policy. Food is another out-of-pocket expense, as drivers typically purchase meals on the road. Finding safe and available parking can also lead to paid options, especially when time is limited. Also, starting a trucking career also involves investment. Obtaining a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) requires paying for training and testing.

In 2024, 34% of truck drivers cited salary as the main reason for leaving a fleet. This highlights the importance of considering all income-related factors when evaluating a truck driver’s total compensation, as gross figures often fail to reflect the financial reality they face on a daily basis.