Best Truck Driving Jobs in 2022

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There are many different types of trucking you could go into — this isn’t a "one size fits all" industry. Find out what trucking jobs are out there, and which ones are the highest paying. The more you know, the more money you could potentially earn.

Best Truck Driving Jobs

OTR Tractor Trailer: You’ll be on the road for days or weeks at a time, so you'll compensated proportionally for these hours.

Tanker Drivers: You’ll need a tanker endorsement if you’re going to be a tanker driver. You’ll be hauling around liquids that can be very unstable, so it’s a dangerous position that requires skilled knowledge. Tanker drivers tend to be compensated well for the work they do.

HAZMAT loads: In order to drive HAZMAT, you need to get your HAZMAT endorsement. This type of driving is also very dangerous, so you have to know how to handle potentially toxic materials properly. HAZMAT drivers are in high demand.

Union Drivers: Some truck drivers are a part of unions where they benifit from conistent raises and good benefits.

Instructor: Instructors teach the next generation of drivers how to safely operate a tractor trailer. As an instructor, you can still drive a truck everyday but you don't have to go deliver loads or travel far from home. Truck driving instructors tend to have fulfilling and rewarding careers as they teach people essential skills every day.

Recruiter: If you enjoy working in an office, but would still like to be a part of the trucking world, becoming a truck driver recruiter may be a good choice for you. Recruiters connect potental drivers with various trucking jobs for many companies.

Do Truck Drivers Make Good Money?

With truck driving, the more you’re on the road, the more you could potentially earn. Truck drivers, espeically OTR drivers, are often paid by the mile.

Heavy load and tractor trailer drivers earned an average annual pay of $55,990 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the top 10% of drivers had an average annual pay of $76,780 or more.

A way to increase your pay is to become specialized, for which you’ll need endorsements. Another option is bcoming an owner operator. These truck drivers operate their own trucking companies, meaning they don't have to split profits with a middle man. But, they put in a lot of work and are responsible for their trucks, initial investments, and running their own business.

What State Paid CDL Drivers the Most in 2023?

Depending on where you live, you may earn more or less than the average truck driver wage. Here are the states that paid truck drivers the most in 2023:

Alaska: $31.67 per hour. $65,870 per year.*
New Jersey: $30.90 per hour. $64,270 per year.*
Washington: $30.36 per hour. $63,160 per year.*
New York: $29.28 per hour. $60,910 per year.*

It’s not to say you won’t get somewhere in the vicinity of the above salaries if your state isn’t listed. It will depend on who you drive for, along with your experience level.

Are Truck Drivers in Demand?

There is a reported truck driver shortage, which means drivers are in demand. By 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a steadily increasing demand for truck drivers of 4 percent, which amounts to an estimated 241,200 new trucking positions opening each year over the next decade.

America needs truck drivers, in a good economy, a poor one, and even in worldwide disruptions. Find a local truck driving job now.

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*Pay information taken from BLS.gov 2023 Statistics