Commercial drivers are essential for the American economy and the average truck driver salary continues to increase due to a driver shortage and the growing need for qualified haulers. After completing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, you will have a sense of pride that comes from being part of the trucking industry and you can earn more than $65,000 a year*.
Driver pay is determined in part by the number of miles driven, your experience, and the type of freight you haul.
Mileage
The majority of long-haul truck driving jobs pay by the mile rather than by the hour. This means that how much you earn is partially dependent on how far you drive. Taking on longer routes and driving efficiently can increase your pay.
You may also want to consider team truck driving. For these jobs, two drivers will haul together so one drives while the other sleeps. This allows you to cover more miles and as a result, you can take home a larger paycheck. Many trucking companies offer team matching based on your personality and professional preferences.
CDL Driver Experience
The amount you get paid per mile can vary depending on your work history. Experienced drivers are in high demand and truck driver salary tends to increase for those who have been in the industry for a longer period of time.
Type of Freight
Hauling freight comes with a great deal of responsibility, as you are trusted to ensure that the cargo you transport arrives safely. Trucking companies often pay more per mile for types of freight that involve additional safety concerns.
These include:
Flatbed Loads
Flatbed loads are often high-paying due to the complexity of securing oversized freight. In many cases, driving a flatbed also requires more expertise than driving a standard tractor-trailer.
Hazardous Materials
Hauling hazardous materials (hazmat) requires a CDL endorsement and strict adherence to safety standards. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will earn your hazmat endorsement, giving you the ability to transport this higher-paying freight.
Tankers
Tanker trucks transport liquids or gases. Like hazmat, you will need an endorsement if you want to take these types of truck driving jobs. Sometimes, a combination of tanker and hazmat endorsements is required. You will earn both at our CDL School.
Start Earning a High Salary as a Truck Driver
If you are interested in starting a career as a truck driver, you should consider attending Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our programs help you earn your CDL as well as three endorsements: hazmat, tankers, and doubles/triples. We also offer job placement assistance for our students, making it easier for you to find a job with the pay, benefits, and home time that best matches your needs.
Truck driver salaries are increasing as the demand for truckers continues to grow, so don’t wait to earn your CDL. Call us today to learn more about our programs.
*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $49,920. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $75,220 per year according to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics.
