How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?

If you’ve ever wondered how much truck drivers make or considered getting your CDL to start a trucking career, you’re not alone. Thousands of people search every month for truck driver salary and CDL driver pay to find out what kind of income they can expect on the road. The truth is, truck driving can be a rewarding and financially stable profession with plenty of opportunity for growth.

The Average Truck Driver Income in the U.S.

Across the country, the average truck driver income typically ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and type of freight hauled. Entry-level CDL drivers might start closer to the lower end, but experienced over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers and owner-operators often earn significantly more.

Common pay averages based on role:

• Company truck drivers: $55,000–$70,000 annually

• Owner-operators: $90,000–$180,000 + (after expenses, higher earning depending on multiple rigs)

• Regional drivers: $60,000–$80,000

• Local CDL drivers: $45,000–$60,000

Truck driving salaries vary based on haul type, miles driven, and pay structure; some are paid per mile, while others are paid hourly or by the load.

How Much Do CDL Drivers Make Per Hour or Per Mile?

Many truck drivers get paid per mile rather than by the hour. The average pay per mile in 2025 ranges between $0.55 and $0.75 per mile, depending on the carrier, route, and driver experience.

For hourly drivers, pay typically lands between $24 and $32 per hour, though rates can rise for specialized freight or night shifts.

Example: A long-haul truck driver running 2,500 miles per week at $0.65 per mile earns roughly $81,250 annually before bonuses or benefits.

What Factors Affect How Much Truck Drivers Make?

1. Experience and Certifications

The more experience you have, the higher your earning potential. Drivers with hazardous materials (HazMat) or tanker endorsements usually make more than standard CDL holders.

2. Type of Freight and Equipment

Flatbed, heavy haul, and refrigerated loads often come with higher pay rates due to complexity and responsibility.

3. Route Type

Over-the-road (OTR) drivers tend to earn the most because of longer distances and time commitments. Regional and local drivers trade higher pay for more home time.

4. Truck Ownership

Becoming an owner-operator can dramatically change your earnings. Owner-operators cover their own expenses but have greater control over their profit margins.

Do Truck Drivers Make Good Money? The Real Earning Potential

Yes, truck drivers make good money, especially compared to other jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. The U.S. trucking industry continues to see high demand for drivers, which keeps wages competitive.

Experienced CDL truck drivers can boost their income through:

• Sign-on and safety bonuses

• Fuel and mileage incentives

• Loyalty and performance pay

• Transitioning to owner-operator status

What Is The Highest Paid Truck Driver?

The highest-paid truck drivers are often independent owner-operators, who run their own trucking business and manage their own expenses. While they take on more risk and responsibility, their revenue potential is much higher than company drivers, sometimes reaching upwards of $300,000 to over $541,000 annually before expenses.

Highly compensated company drivers typically work in specialized, higher-risk niches:

• Ice road truckers deliver goods over frozen terrain for a few months out of the year and can earn as much as $250,000 per season.

• Oversized load haulers transport very large equipment and industrial machinery and can earn $100,000 to $200,000 per year.

• Hazardous materials (Hazmat) drivers handle dangerous substances and can make $85,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on the route and type of cargo.

How SelecTrucks Helps Truck Drivers Build Their Earning Power

At SelecTrucks, we know that your income potential depends on the reliability of your truck. That’s why every pre-owned semi-truck we sell is thoroughly inspected and backed by industry-leading warranties and financing options.

Whether you’re an experienced trucker looking to grow your business or a new CDL driver ready to take control of your career, SelecTrucks offers:

• Quality used Freightliner, Western Star, and other top-brand trucks

• Flexible truck financing-even for first-time buyers

• Comprehensive warranties that protect your bottom line

• A nationwide network of support to keep you earning on the road

The Road Ahead: Your Future as a Truck Driver

Truck driving isn’t just a job; it’s a career that offers financial freedom, independence, and stability. If you’ve been researching how much truck drivers make a year or what the average truck driver salary is, you’re already taking the first step toward a more rewarding future.

SelecTrucks is here to help you get there. Explore our inventory of used semi-trucks and find the right truck to match your goals and earning potential.

Start Your Next Chapter With SelecTrucks

Find a SelecTrucks Center near you and connect with our team to get started on your next truck purchase. Your journey to greater pay, freedom, and success starts with the right truck.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do truck drivers make $100,000 a year?

Yes, it is possible for some truck drivers to make $100,000 or more a year, but this is not typical for every driver. This level of income generally applies to drivers with specific qualifications and experience, such as those hauling specialized or hazardous materials, operating as independent owner-operators, or working for high-paying private fleets.

Can you make 6 figures with a CDL?

Yes, you can make a six-figure income with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), but it typically requires gaining experience and specializing. New drivers may earn between $45,000 and $60,000 in their first year. Pathways to a six-figure salary with a CDL include:

• Becoming an independent owner-operator

• Working as a team driver with a partner on long-haul routes

• Obtaining endorsements for and hauling hazardous materials or oversized loads

• Driving for a private carrier with a reputation for high driver pay

Can you make a living as a truck driver?

Truck driving offers a solid middle-class income without a college degree. Factors like work-life balance (local vs. long-haul), high job security, and comprehensive benefits from large carriers contribute to financial stability. While the solitude and long hours aren't for everyone, many find the higher pay a worthwhile trade-off for time away from home.