How much does a Truck Driver make in the United States?

Truck drivers can be divided into two primary groups: owner-operators and company drivers.

Owner-operators:

• Earn a higher gross salary
• Decide who can ride along and choose the truck to buy and drive
• Have greater independence and schedule flexibility
• Have to finance the vehicle themselves
• Deal with more expenses: buying and maintaining the truck, taxes, paperwork and medical insurance

As a result of higher expenses, the higher gross salary owner-operators earn may not actually mean higher income.

Company drivers:

• Enjoy benefits offered by employers such as medical, dental, life insurance, vision, retirement plans, paid vacation and holidays.
• Generally avoid costs of vehicle purchase and maintenance
• May have a more advantageous tax situation
• May have less independence and schedule flexibility

As a result, company drivers may take home more net pay, however they have less flexibility and less job security.

If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a position, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.

Truck drivers get different bonuses or benefits: referral and signing bonus, safety bonus, detention pay, layover pay, fuel-efficiency bonus, clean-DOT inspections bonus, monthly mileage bonus.

Ice road truck drivers, oversized load and hazmat truck drivers get a higher salary due to the high level of skill and specialization necessary to operate the vehicles. Over the road, or OTR, truck drivers earn a higher salary too. OTR truck drivers travel long hours all over the country and they have to respect road regulations in different states. OTR drivers can go back home anywhere from a couple of times a week to once every 4-8 weeks, depending on the job.