TRUCK DRIVING JOBS FAQs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver in 2024 was $57,440 ($27.62 per hour). However, this can vary significantly depending on the type of work you are performing. 

Typically, the highest paying trucking jobs are the ones with the most challenging cargo types. For example, hazardous liquids, oversized loads and specialty car hauling truck drivers all tend to be better compensated than average. Drivers working on ice roads or in hazardous environments such as mines are all among the highest paid.

Typically, the most lucrative (but also financially risky) way to make money as a truck driver is to be an owner-operator. Highly successful independent truckers can make more than $200,000 per year.

Yes, it is possible to make more than $100,000 per year. While the average truck driving salary is lower than this, drivers who take on challenging or dangerous jobs can make six figures after several years of experience. Additionally, owner-operators can exceed this if they get consistent jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas, California, and Florida have the highest number of heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving jobs, which aligns with their large populations.

But when looking at employment concentration using the location quotient, a measure of how common a job is in a particular state compared to the national average, Arkansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota come out on top for truck driver employment density.

Paid CDL training is a program where a trucking company covers the cost of your commercial driver’s license training. In some cases, you may even earn a wage while you learn. These programs often require you to work for the company for a set time after earning your CDL.

Company-sponsored CDL training means the carrier pays for your training upfront. In exchange, you’ll usually sign a contract to drive for them, often for 12 to 24 months, after you finish. This is a great way to start a trucking career with little to no out-of-pocket expense.

A CDL apprenticeship combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on driving experience under the supervision of a mentor. Apprenticeships are ideal if you want structured support while earning a paycheck.

Yes. Some trucking companies offer CDL tuition reimbursement for students who pay out-of-pocket for their training. Reimbursement amounts vary, but some companies pay up to $7,000 over time. It’s important to ask about reimbursement terms when applying.

Look for schools that are state-licensed and ideally PTDI-certified, which indicates the curriculum meets rigorous safety and training standards. Consider cost, location, training length, pass rates, and whether the school helps with job placement.

No experience is required for most entry-level CDL training programs. In fact, these programs are designed for brand-new drivers. Some programs may require you to meet minimum age or driving record requirements.

Some programs may include repayment clauses if you leave early or don’t complete training. Always read the fine print and ask questions about lodging, meals, equipment fees, and contract terms.

It depends. Some paid CDL training programs offer a weekly stipend or hourly pay during training. Others only start paying once you're behind the wheel with a commercial license.

The best way to stay up to date about the trucking industry and current jobs is through CDLjobs.com. You can check our website regularly and/or follow us on social media. Check out our Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to get the latest news. Alternatively, go to our contact us page and sign up for our newsletter. We only share high-value news for CDL industry members.

The best way to find companies that are currently hiring for trucking jobs is to check out the trucking job listings on CDLjobs.com. You can filter by zip code, trailer type, job type and more.

Yes! According to the BLS, there were 2,211,300 trucking jobs in 2023. They also projected that this number would grow by 5% (an average rate) between 2023 and 2033.

Trucks carry the majority of freight across the United States. As households and businesses boost their spending, the need for truck drivers will rise due to the growing demand for goods. With a shortage of truck drivers, there are always opportunities available to drivers.

There is no fee for using CDLjobs.com to search for or apply to a job. Our website is simple, safe and secure. Plus, it is available 24/7 at no charge to trucking job seekers.

No, unlike most job sites, CDLjobs.com is designed to be simple and easy to complete without an account. You don’t need to remember yet another username and password. Simply find a job listing that interests you, enter your information and hit submit. It couldn’t be easier!

No, we do not save your application information for later use. This is an intentional choice to help maximize security. In fact, you don’t even need to log in. Just open an application and complete it. We will send your information directly to the company or companies that you choose.

As soon as you hit submit, your information will be sent along to the companies you chose. It will be received by them as soon as the internet will allow (typically minutes or even seconds).

Response times can vary depending on the company. However, most companies working with CDLjobs.com are prompt to get back to applications. Some do so in as little as 10 minutes. Others may take between 24 and 48 hours to respond.

Unfortunately, not every company you apply to will get back to you. Typically, this is because your application does not match the criteria they are looking for. For example, they may only be hiring in-state drivers or they may be looking for someone with more experience than you.

We prioritize your privacy and data security at CDLjobs.com. To minimize your risk, our application process doesn’t require an account, eliminating the possibility of unauthorized access through compromised login credentials.

All information you submit is encrypted in transit using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Our QuickSSL certificate provides strong industry-standard encryption, and modern browsers typically negotiate up to 256-bit encryption for added protection.

We make searching for jobs easy on CDLjobs.com. There are several ways that you can find currently available trucking jobs:

• Head to the Trucking Jobs page and search by zip code, or use the advanced filters to find the right openings for your needs.
• Explore the Trucking Companies page to find carriers that are currently hiring drivers in your state.
• Look at the profile of a specific trucking company that you are interested in. Use the dropdown filters on the Trucking Companies state pages to find the one you want.