What Does a Truck Driver Do?
Truck drivers transport goods and materials over local, regional, or long-haul routes using commercial vehicles. They are responsible for safely operating large trucks, managing delivery schedules, and maintaining accurate shipping documentation. This role is critical to supply chain operations across nearly every industry.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as CDL Driver (Commercial Driver's License Driver), Driver, Line Haul Driver, Log Truck Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Production Truck Driver, Road Driver, Semi Truck Driver.
Truck Driver Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a truck driver include:
- Operate commercial trucks to transport goods over designated routes on schedule.
- Inspect vehicles before and after trips to ensure safe operating condition.
- Maintain accurate logs of driving hours, rest periods, and mileage in compliance with DOT regulations.
- Load and unload cargo using appropriate equipment and techniques.
- Plan routes using GPS and maps to optimize delivery efficiency.
- Communicate with dispatchers to receive instructions and report delays or issues.
- Secure cargo properly to prevent damage during transit.
- Complete delivery paperwork including bills of lading and proof of delivery.
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance such as checking fluid levels and tire pressure.
- Follow all traffic laws and safety regulations while operating commercial vehicles.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a truck driver, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Commercial driving (CDL Class A or B)
- Route planning and navigation
- Vehicle inspection and basic maintenance
- DOT compliance and hours-of-service regulations
- Cargo loading and securement
- Time management and punctuality
- Defensive driving techniques
- Communication and documentation
Education and Training
Most truck driving positions require a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) by completing a truck driving training program, which typically lasts three to six weeks. Some employers offer paid training programs. Additional endorsements such as hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples may be required depending on the cargo type. Ongoing training on safety regulations and defensive driving is common in the industry.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $47,960 - $69,120 per year, with a median of $58,640.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The demand for truck drivers remains strong due to the essential role they play in moving goods across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth driven by increases in freight volume and e-commerce. A persistent driver shortage means qualified candidates often have multiple job options and may receive signing bonuses. Drivers who obtain specialized endorsements or transition into owner-operator roles can significantly increase their earning potential.
Truck Driver Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $40,140 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $47,960 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $58,640 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $69,120 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $79,380 |
Highest-Paying States for Truck Drivers
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are Alaska ($70,100), Washington ($64,760), District of Columbia ($64,170), New Jersey ($63,570), Massachusetts ($63,030). Pay is lowest in New Mexico ($50,500), West Virginia ($49,480), Louisiana ($49,320).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,120 |
| Alaska | $70,100 |
| Arizona | $58,080 |
| Arkansas | $51,550 |
| California | $60,230 |
| Colorado | $61,500 |
| Connecticut | $60,490 |
| Delaware | $57,590 |
| District of Columbia | $64,170 |
| Florida | $50,640 |
| Georgia | $57,050 |
| Hawaii | $59,820 |
| Idaho | $58,770 |
| Illinois | $60,320 |
| Indiana | $60,290 |
| Iowa | $58,070 |
| Kansas | $58,920 |
| Kentucky | $56,340 |
| Louisiana | $49,320 |
| Maine | $57,050 |
| Maryland | $59,360 |
| Massachusetts | $63,030 |
| Michigan | $57,180 |
| Minnesota | $61,990 |
| Mississippi | $51,820 |
| Missouri | $54,550 |
| Montana | $58,870 |
| Nebraska | $58,390 |
| Nevada | $62,290 |
| New Hampshire | $60,280 |
| New Jersey | $63,570 |
| New Mexico | $50,500 |
| New York | $62,050 |
| North Carolina | $51,530 |
| North Dakota | $60,910 |
| Ohio | $59,800 |
| Oklahoma | $54,410 |
| Oregon | $61,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,580 |
| Rhode Island | $60,190 |
| South Carolina | $51,130 |
| South Dakota | $58,690 |
| Tennessee | $58,620 |
| Texas | $56,290 |
| Utah | $60,620 |
| Vermont | $60,830 |
| Virginia | $56,860 |
| Washington | $64,760 |
| West Virginia | $49,480 |
| Wisconsin | $58,610 |
| Wyoming | $60,310 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 81% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 80% usually work more than 40 hours a week
- 76% work outdoors in all kinds of weather every day
- 73% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 70% spend more than half the workday sitting
- 68% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 67% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 54% |
| Less than high school | 26% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 19% |
Tools and Software Truck Drivers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking.
Knowledge areas used most: Transportation, Public Safety and Security, Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Law and Government.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Truck Driver Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 53-3032.00 (Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.