Factors That Determine a Truck Driver Salary

When you’re researching “how much do truck drivers make?” you’re bound to encounter many factors that determine salary.

A truck driver salary can vary greatly by region and other factors. Here are a few of the things that can affect how much you make as a truck driver.

Distance

Since most drivers are paid by the mile, you can earn more money by taking assignments that are further away from home. While shorter assignments might be more convenient, they generally pay less.

Managing your time on the clock concerning distance is of the utmost importance when you’re on the job, and it can be challenging to learn how to maximize your earnings without proper instruction.

Good time management is a skill that you can master here at TDI.

Education and Specific Endorsements

If you have endorsements for a specialized job in addition to a CDL, you may be able to earn a higher salary as a truck driver.

Some jobs, such as hazardous waste transportation or another specialized field, pay more because fewer CDL holders have the proper training and endorsements to do them.

Truck driving is a promising career because there are countless different niches you can fill. So, if you’re wondering how much truck drivers make, you should consider what kind of job you want to do.

Location and Employer

Like other jobs, salaries for truck drivers vary based on what part of the country you live in and who your employer is.

There are some pretty significant differences in terms of pay and other criteria that matter to truck drivers. Which is the best state to be a truck driver?

Experience

When you’ve been in the industry long enough, employers will trust you to do a top-notch job, and you’ll be able to earn an even higher salary as a truck driver.

One of the best aspects of truck driving is that there is plenty of room to grow your salary. Because the starting salary is so high compared to other industries, having multiple years under your belt means you can earn quite a bit more than when you started.

At that, when you have the experience and confidence to leap, becoming an owner-operator is a significant financial move. Owner-operators can potentially make upwards of six figures.

Team Driving

For a higher salary, some truck drivers decide to team drive, partnering up to cover more miles per day and earn more money. Plus, team truck drivers have someone to keep them company on the road, which can make a long drive a lot easier.

One of the significant concerns that new truck drivers or those considering becoming a truck driver is the loneliness. Options like team driving work to solve that issue, and it’s an option that many companies offer.