Who wants to be a trucker? 45% of the U.S. consider it, but pay and challenges remain

A survey conducted by FinditParts revealed that nearly half of U.S. citizens have considered becoming truck drivers, if only one thing were different: the salary.

A survey conducted by FinditParts revealed that nearly half of U.S. citizens have considered becoming truck drivers, if only one thing were different: the salary. The survey results showed that, despite concerns about work-life balance, the main reason people hesitate to pursue this career is that the pay is insufficient.

46% of those surveyed by FinditParts admitted that they would be willing to leave their current jobs to become truck drivers if the salary were higher than what they currently earn. What salary are they seeking? 32% of the participants indicated they would consider a career in the trucking industry if the salary reached $100,000 or more per year.

Major drawbacks of a career in road transportation

In the current landscape, truck driver salaries vary depending on location and the type of cargo they carry. On average, annual earnings range from $48,000 to $65,000, although there are differences based on the state, city, and specific cargo. However, with a clean driving record, it is possible to access excellent opportunities, as the industry offers various job options with above-average salaries, and is not limited only to experienced drivers.

According to the survey results, 31% of Americans consider salary and income potential as the most important factors when deciding whether to drive a truck. On the other hand, 18% mention that flexibility in hours is key. However, the respondents highlight the following situations as the greatest drawbacks of a career in road transportation:

Time away from home – 55%
Safety and health issues – 26%
Low wages – 8%
Lack of job security – 6%
Negative opinion of the profession – 5%

Despite these responses, it is surprising that approximately 45% of Americans have considered becoming truck drivers.

Who wants to be a truck driver? Survey demographics

Truck drivers make up only 2% of the U.S. workforce, which reflects the current shortage of drivers in the country. However, nearly half of the respondents show interest in this career, suggesting that by creating better opportunities for truck drivers, the labor force in road transportation could be increased.

Of those interested in road transportation, the majority are men from Generation Z. The demographic breakdown of Americans who would consider being truck drivers is as follows:

Men – 53%
Women – 35%
Generation Z – 52%
Millennials – 50%
Baby Boomers – 20%

In the U.S., only 6% of truck drivers are women. Opportunities for this gender in the industry remain limited due to safety concerns and the traditional roles women assume at home. Despite this, many consider road transportation a viable job option. On the other hand, according to FinditParts, nearly 79% of Americans believe truck driving is a viable professional option for young people entering the workforce.

However, only about 70% of Generation Z and Millennials see road transportation as a good professional option. This could reflect the growing awareness among younger generations about the automation and modernization of transportation, which impacts the future of truck drivers.

Regardless of age or gender, most Americans still view road transportation as a stable career offering good opportunities. This survey helps put the industry’s needs into perspective and how new drivers could be attracted to meet the urgent demand for workforce growth in the sector.