When exploring a career as a truck driver, the most popular Google search is typical, “how much do truck drivers make a year?” According to Indeed.com, the basic pay for a truck driver in the US is roughly $70,363 per year. However, a driver’s actual income is based on several essential variables. The key elements that affect how much a truck driver makes yearly are the kind of trucking job they have, how many years of experience they have, any bonuses or incentives they may get, their qualifications and endorsements, and whether or not they fall under the speciality carrying category. Let us delve in and learn more about the query “how much do truck drivers make?”
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
Contrary to other professions, truck drivers are often compensated on a cents-per-mile basis rather than an hourly salary. Depending on the sort of driver you are, your level of experience, and the firm you work for, the typical truck driver in California makes between $0.40 per mile also on the low end or $1.79 per mile on the high end. But let us take a look at an average-based scenario to have a better understanding of how base pay for truck drivers operates. The average weekly mileage for lone full-time drivers is up to 3,000 miles. Thus their basic salary is often $1,200 per week or $62,400 annually. On the other hand, team drivers and owner-operators earn closer to $3,160 per week and $164,300 annually, as seen in the table below.
Certificates and Endorsements
You may also earn more money and exceed the average truck driver’s income by obtaining endorsements and certificates with significantly higher levels of training. Truck drivers often pursue endorsements like HAZMAT (transports hazardous materials), Tanker (hauls liquids), and large haulier (loads taller than 13’6″ or more comprehensive than 8’6″) to succeed in their professions. Companies pay drivers with these certificates more generously due to the amount of hazard that comes with these professions and the training it requires to deliver the specified items safely.
Incentives, Bonuses, Benefits
It is crucial to consider all factors when estimating how much CDL drivers earn. Many businesses provide drivers with different incentives, bonus possibilities, perks, and guaranteed weekly minimum pay rates in addition to base pay to attract the finest personnel. As the driver market grows more competitive, these incentives likewise improve. The following are some of the key bonuses and incentives provided to drivers:
- Signing bonuses (often ranging from $2,500 to $7,000)
- Relocation Bonuses (when applicable)
- Guaranteed Weekly Minimum Pay (typically between $1,000 and $1,350 per week)
- Full Compensation Packages (varies from company to company)
Furthermore, having a robust benefits package is essential for trucking businesses to hire and retain talented drivers successfully. Although each business provides a different set of advantages, the following are some of the more popular ones that customers and drivers alike search for:
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Toll Fees
- Prepaid Fuel Cards
- Stock Opportunities
- Pet-friendly
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- HSA and Health Programs
- Health, Dental and Vision insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
A few advantages you could find while deciding which business to work for are those mentioned above. Visit the relevant company’s official website for a more detailed list of benefits.
As said above, you must evaluate the whole picture, including prospective basic pay, incentives, bonuses, and perks, to fully comprehend your CDL driver compensation. You will not understand how much truck drivers make and how much you may earn until that time. Regardless, there are many possibilities to earn big money in this field as long as you are trustworthy and diligent. And the only way to increase your earnings is to obtain endorsements and experience. You are prepared to become a truck driver. To learn how to get started right away, get in touch with the Truck Driver Academy!
