If you’re considering a career as a long-haul truck driver, you might be wondering about truck driver demand and the potential income you could earn. Truck driving can be a rewarding and lucrative career, especially for experienced drivers. This comprehensive guide analyzes the average pay for OTR (over-the-road) truck drivers and discusses some of the factors that can impact your pay as a truck driver.
Becoming a professional truck driver can be a great career choice for those who enjoy traveling and working independently. Truck driving jobs are in high demand, and there are many opportunities available for solo drivers as well as those who prefer to work as part of a team. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, it’s important to consider the average pay and average salary that OTR truck drivers earn.
Median Truck Driver Income
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 as of May 2020. This means that half of all truck drivers earned more than this amount while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of truck drivers earned less than $30,530 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,770 per year.
It’s worth noting that these figures are just an average, and your actual yearly income as a truck driver may be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors. Your best bet is to talk to the companies you are interested in and determine what it takes to earn the highest pay with them. For more information on truck driver salary check out our resource!
What is an OTR Driver Job
As the trucking industry continues to grow, the demand for professional truck drivers remains high. OTR truck drivers transport various goods and materials over long distances, often across state lines or even internationally. They are responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and maintenance of e-log books and other paperwork. OTR drivers typically work for a trucking company as solo drivers or team drivers and are on the road for 3-6 weeks at a time.
OTR Truck Driver Salary
OTR truck drivers are typically paid by the mile, and their pay can vary based on a variety of factors such as experience, location, and the type of goods being transported. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 as of May 2020.
However, experienced OTR drivers can earn significantly more, with some making upwards of $70,000 per year or more. ShipEX drivers earn a true salary of $62,500 before bonuses, which is a very competitive wage for OTR drivers.
CDL license
To work as an OTR truck driver, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This requires completing a CDL training program and passing a series of exams to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. CDL training programs typically cover topics such as vehicle operation, safety regulations, and basic maintenance.
In addition to driving long distances and transporting goods, OTR truck drivers also have many other responsibilities. These may include:
- Inspecting and maintaining the vehicle to ensure it is safe and in good working order
- Completing paperwork, such as e-log books and delivery receipts
- Communicating with dispatch and other team members to coordinate deliveries and updates
- Adhering to all federal and state safety regulations
OTR truck drivers haul a wide variety of goods depending on what trailer they have. There are flatbed trailers, which often haul oversized loads, Refrigerated or Reefer trailers, which haul temperature-controlled goods, tanker trailers which haul liquid products, and Dry trailers, which haul the rest. Here are some examples of what you might haul as an OTR driver.
- Food and beverages
- Consumer products
- Industrial equipment
- Building materials
- Automobiles
- Hazardous materials
OTR and long-haul trucking are often used interchangeably, as both terms refer to transporting goods over long distances. Whether you’re working as an OTR driver or a long-haul trucker, you can expect to be on the road for extended periods and have various responsibilities related to the safe operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
What Impacts Long Haul Truck Driver Income
As with any job, the pay for professional truck drivers can vary based on a variety of factors. We’ll explore some of the key elements that can influence OTR truck driver salaries and discuss how these factors can impact your earnings as a truck driver. Several factors can impact the pay of an OTR truck driver. Some of the most significant include the following.
Time on the Road
One of the main factors that can impact an OTR truck driver’s income is the amount of time they spend on the road. The longer a driver is on the road, the more they can expect to earn. Many OTR drivers are paid by the mile, so the more miles they drive, the more money they can make. This can be slightly misleading, however, as drivers who are paid cents-per-mile will only be paid for miles driven, not based on the time spent driving.
Miles Driven
As mentioned above, OTR drivers are often paid by the mile, so the number of miles they drive can significantly impact their pay. Drivers who can cover more miles in a given time may be able to earn more money.
ShipEX drivers earn a true salary, so the miles they drive contribute to their bonus instead of to their base salary. The performance bonuses are available every month; an average of 70% of our drivers earn them every month.
Freight Carried
The type of freight being carried can also affect an OTR truck driver’s income. Some types of freight, such as hazardous materials, may pay more than others. Additionally, some companies may offer higher pay for drivers who are willing to transport goods that are more difficult or time-consuming to load and unload. Not all companies will do no-touch loads, and not all companies will require the driver to load and unload the trailer. It is important to be aware of loads like that as they put more risk on the driver.
Location
The location where a driver works can also impact their pay. In general, OTR drivers who work in urban areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas. This is partly due to the higher cost of living in urban areas and the higher demand for drivers in these locations. This is not as important a factor to consider when driving OTR, however, as you will regularly be driving across the country.
Risks
The risks involved in a trucking job can also impact pay. Drivers who are willing to take on more risky or challenging jobs, such as hauling hazardous materials or driving in inclement weather, may be able to expect higher pay rates. Ice road trucking is one of the more lucrative for this reason. When being offered high-paying jobs it is important to understand why you are being paid more.
Endorsements
Drivers who have obtained additional endorsements, such as a tanker endorsement or hazardous materials endorsement, may be able to command higher pay rates. These endorsements demonstrate a driver’s expertise and may be in higher demand by employers. If you are concerned about making enough money as an OTR truck driver, it may be worth it to earn extra endorsements to increase your value to trucking companies.
Other Factors
Some other factors that can impact OTR truck drivers’ salaries include the driver’s level of experience, the company they work for, and the type of vehicle they drive. Drivers with more experience may be able to earn higher pay rates, and those who work for larger or more established trucking companies may have more opportunities for advancement and higher pay. The type of vehicle a driver operates can also affect their pay, as some vehicles may be more complex or require more specialized training.
ShipEX Trucking Jobs
Overall, many factors can impact an OTR truck driver’s income. By understanding these factors and working to optimize your earning potential, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the trucking industry.
If you want to experience working for the best in the trucking business, ShipEX is the right company for you. Here you can rely on a stable salary, no touch loads, and monthly opportunities for bonuses. Reach out to our recruiters to start your career with ShipEX today.
