Truck driver salary: how much money can an average trucker make?

One of the most important things that bothers novice truckers is truck driver salary. How much money can you earn behind the wheel? To answer this question, let us take a look at the main types of truck driving jobs. There are four of them:

• Long haul jobs;
• Short haul jobs;
• Line haul jobs;
• Specialized jobs.

Long haul drivers make the most money since they travel hundreds or even thousands of miles in a single route. Such truckers almost always get paid by the mile instead of by the hour.

Local truck drivers operate lighter vehicles. An average trip takes about 5-6 hours. In the most cases, the job consists of multiple pickups and deliveries throughout the day. Such truckers usually get paid by the hour. Line haul truck jobs are very similar and consist in delivering the load from terminal to terminal (usually about a 500 miles trip or less).

Specialized truck drivers transport unusual loads (sensitive, oversized, hazardous, etc.). The distance may vary from short to long depending upon the job. Such truckers earn more money, but they have to successfully undergo additional training and get a certification to operate specialized vehicles.

Another factor that matters is whether you are team driver or solo driver. The latter usually make much less money than the first, since it is a lot harder for them to find orders. You will have a bigger paycheck for team truck driving. Yes, working solo will get you more money per mile, but you will not get near the miles of a company employee.

Depending on the type of job, salaries vary from 20 to 75 thousand of dollars per year. Different companies offer different amounts per mile. Some of them pay less when you are empty, some pay more when you transport hazardous materials. Only your employer can give you a clear picture of what you will earn.

Health problems that might affect the truck driver's salary

In order to work as a commercial driver in the United States, you will have to pass the government physical tests. Moreover, a trucker cannot suffer from epilepsy, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular diseases. If you are willing to do long hauls and cross state lines, you have to obtain a fitness certificate. There are more than 10 categories of medical conditions that can disqualify a driver. Check the FMCSA site to get the full list.

Even if you fail to meet the health requirement for the interstate hauls, you still might find a work as a local trucker. Some states have less strict rules, making getting a certificate possible for you. However, such drivers will not be able to leave their home state, resulting in the lesser truck driver salary.