It is important to know what to anticipate in terms of payment if you want to begin a career in the trucking sector. Although it is feasible for truck drivers to earn six figures, contrary to what you may have heard, cross-country truck drivers often earn a bit less on average.
What is the salary of cross-country truck drivers? According to ZipRecruiter, the typical cross-country truck driver’s wage is roughly $52,000 per year. It is essential to remember that a range of factors, including experience and the location of the service, affect remuneration. An in-depth look at several criteria that are often taken into account when estimating how much you may earn while starting a career as a cross-country truck driver is provided below. We will also discuss a few factors that might increase your likelihood of earning a greater wage.
Difference Between Salaried and Per Mile Jobs
Let us first discuss the distinction between hourly and salary positions before delving into the variables that might affect your pay. Less often seen are occupations that pay you per mile or hour. Usually, you may do these local projects in a day or less. Some drivers discover that hourly employees are not as rewarding or profitable due to the limitations that limit how long a driver may work within a certain time.
On the other hand, occupations that pay well tend to be longer-term. A paid work is probably right for you if you do not mind spending a few days away from home and are interested in cross-country trucking journeys. Driving local/routes with an hourly job is perhaps a better alternative for you if you like to remain close to home and spend more time there.
Factors Affecting Salary
Like in every employment, there is a range in terms of the pay you get, which might depend on various factors. Therefore, it is not simple to answer the question, “How much do cross-country truck drivers earn a year?” Although the average compensation is $52,000, your pay may differ depending on your experience, where you live, and your employer.
Experience
Your prior truck driving experience greatly influences your pay. As with other professions, truckers just starting will often make less money. However, your pay will probably rise as you obtain more and more experience.
With greater expertise, you can potentially transition into the owner-operator sector. Given that you are now eliminating the middleman and managing your own trucking company, this will almost certainly result in a significant rise in your pay (at least over the long term).
But not everyone is cut out to be an owner-operator. While some decide to stay with a trucking firm, others advance to more specialized positions. Regardless of the path you select for your trucking career, the more knowledge you have, the more likely you will earn the income you want.
Location
Your compensation will also be influenced by where you work. Typically, your income will depend on where you live and the local cost of living. For a list of some locations with the greatest average wage-to-cost-of-living ratios, visit our blog article titled “Best Cities for Truck Driving Jobs.” It would be a smart idea to go to those cities as this post lists some of the most accessible ones for trucking employment.
Company
Your employer is the last significant aspect that affects the cross-country truck driver’s wage. Before accepting a job, do your homework on the firm. See if you can locate any testimonials from former or present workers. To learn more about the company’s operations and pay, attempt to chat directly with a current employee.
While income is a key consideration when picking a job, learning how other drivers feel about the organization is also beneficial. The pay may not be worth it if they have had problems with management or do not like certain policies.
It is time to start your truck driving career now that you know the typical cross-country truck driver income and how to boost your pay! For more information on how to begin your training and launch your trucking career, visit our CDL training website.