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How much does a truck driver earn in the United States?

Published 09/05/2025 às 10:02
truck driver in the United States
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Truck driver salaries in the US vary by location, experience, and industry. See full details on how much a truck driver makes in the United States

The work of truck driver in the United States is part of the daily life of those who cross American highways.

They transport cargo, face long journeys and deal with different road and weather conditions. With such a routine, the question arises: How much do these professionals really earn?

Truck driver salaries in the United States vary greatly, influenced by factors such as location, experience, type of cargo, and hiring company.

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Regional Differences and Truck Driving Experience in the United States

Website data from Indeed jobs indicate that, on average, these professionals earn around US$92.745 per year.

Compensation can vary significantly from city to city.

For example, drivers in Washington, DC, report an average annual income of $124.889, while in Atlanta, the average is $96.175.

Experience is also an important factor. Entry-level professionals tend to earn less: the average reported salary for entry-level professionals is $50.467 per year.

These numbers, however, are based on self-reported data. Salaries reported on Indeed are not verified and may vary depending on the time, region, and role.

Official government data

O Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an official US government body, also presents data on the sector.

According to the BLS, the median wage for heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers is $57.440 per year, or $27,62 per hour.

The top 10% of earners earn more than $78.800, while the bottom 10% earn less than $38.640 per year.

The numbers vary depending on the sector of activity.

In truck transport, the salary The annual median is US$59.570. In wholesale trade, it reaches US$57.260. In industry and construction, the averages are US$54.860 and US$54.170, respectively.

Payment methods and bonuses

Many drivers are paid per mile, which may include bonuses based on performance or goals.

For long-haul drivers who own their own trucks, it is common to earn a percentage of the freight revenue. This model is most common among so-called owner-operators.

BLS data is collected directly from employers in different regions, including urban and rural areas. This allows for a more uniform picture of the industry.

Platforms like Indeed provide a more dynamic, albeit less accurate, view.

Regardless of the source, the data shows that the truck driving profession in the United States has a wide range of salaries.

Pay depends on multiple factors, but reflects the importance and demands of work on American roads.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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