What does a truck driver do?
- Drive large trucks and tractor-trailers on local or long-distance routes.
- Inspect trucks before and after trips.
- Load, secure and deliver cargo safely.
- Keep logs of hours and follow federal safety rules.
Where do truck drivers work?
- Highways and interstates
- Warehouses, ports and distribution centers
- Local routes that bring drivers home each night
Is a career as a truck driver right for you?
It could be a good fit if:
- You like independence and being on the road.
- You're reliable and safety-minded.
- You want the fastest path into a well-paid job.
How to become a truck driver
Drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. Everyone needs a commercial driver's license (CDL).
How much do truck drivers make?
The median pay for truck drivers in the U.S. was $58,640 a year in May 2025, and most earned between $40,140 to $79,380 a year. Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage: pay usually rises with experience, licenses and specialty.
Truck driver pay by state
| State | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $58,640 |
| Massachusetts | $63,030 |
| New Hampshire | $60,280 |
Job outlook for truck drivers
U.S. employment of truck drivers is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 214,500 openings each year on average. There were 2,221,200 truck driver jobs in the U.S. in 2025.
Things to know
- Median pay describes the whole trade, not a first-year wage. Pay rises with experience and skills.
- Long-haul drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time; local routes keep drivers closer to home.
- It's the largest job in this library by far, with about 214,500 openings a year.
Truck driver FAQ
What does a truck driver do?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one place to another, often across state lines. Typical work includes: drive large trucks and tractor-trailers on local or long-distance routes; inspect trucks before and after trips; load, secure and deliver cargo safely; keep logs of hours and follow federal safety rules.
How do you become a truck driver?
Drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. Everyone needs a commercial driver's license (CDL).
How much do truck drivers make?
The median pay for truck drivers in the U.S. was $58,640 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers). Most earn between $40,140 to $79,380 a year. Pay varies by state, experience and specialty.
Are truck drivers in demand?
U.S. employment of truck drivers is projected to change by +4% (as fast as average) from 2025 to 2035, with about 214,500 job openings each year on average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Which states pay truck drivers the most?
By median annual wage in May 2025, the highest-paying states for truck drivers were Massachusetts ($63,030), New Hampshire ($60,280), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sources
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wayforge is a career-planning tool, not an official licensing source; always confirm requirements with your state licensing board.