The compensation for truck driving jobs in nc varies depending on different factors. Experience, the type of load, driving record, and destination are some of the things that influence the wage. The average truck driver salary in the U.S. is $83,158 per year.
However, this can vary. Hauling special loads, such as toxic or dangerous materials, requires more alertness and additional education, which results in higher pay. This is reasonable since any accident can lead to evacuation of whole towns. In addition, leaks or explosions can cause accidents and damage.
So, when you compare the duties of a driver who transports hazardous materials and one who hauls a driver full of groceries, we can conclude that the first one has more responsibilities. In this post, we reveal the highest-paying trucking salary. If you want to earn more, you can get additional certification and land another job.
1. Factors Affecting Pay
The compensation for truck drivers varies based on several factors, including:
- Experience
- Type of load
- Driving record
- Destination
The average truck driver salary in the U.S. is $83,158 per year, but this can fluctuate depending on the factors mentioned above.
2. Owner-operator
The owner-operator can earn between $190,000 to $550,000, according to Indeed. The range is quite loose, so a few factors will influence the pay. The owner-operator is on top of the list, simply because they are a business owner and manager at the same time. They cover the whole range of responsibilities, starting from covering expenses to finding loads.
3. Team truck drivers
The team truck drivers earn an average salary of $119,000. The team drivers operate long-range deliveries. The team has two drivers that rotate shifts to remain on the road 24 hours a day. This speeds up the delivery time, and companies are ready to pay more for expedited shipping.
4. Car haulers
Specialty vehicle haulers, also known as “car haulers,” earn between $74,815 and $121,002 per year, according to Indeed. These drivers transport valuable or special vehicles, like race cars, luxury cars, or collectibles.
- Car haulers must be extra careful to avoid damaging these expensive vehicles.
- Even when parked, they take steps to prevent accidents or damage.
- Special procedures are followed to protect the vehicles from theft.
5. Oversized load driver
According to ZipRecruiter, oversized load truckers earn between $34,000 and $152,000 per year. These drivers transport loads that are too big, like construction equipment, wind turbines, mobile homes, and industrial machinery. They need special skills to move these loads safely because of their size and weight.
- Oversized load drivers must follow extra rules about when and where they can drive oversized loads.
- They may need an escort crew to help guide the load.
- Some companies require drivers to hire their own escort team.
- Since oversized loads are often expensive, additional insurance and safety measures are required.
- Drivers are paid more because of the challenges and risks involved in hauling oversized loads.
6. Regional truck drivers
According to ZipRecruiter, the average pay for a regional truck driver in the U.S. is around $75,877 per year. Pay can vary from $39,500 to $99,500, depending on experience, location, and the company.
- Regional truck drivers usually work within a specific area, like a few states or a region of the country.
- This type of job can offer more time at home and a reasonable salary.
- Some regional driving jobs offer extra perks, such as signing bonuses or health insurance.
- Regional drivers may get additional benefits like paid time off, retirement plans, and health insurance.
- Trucking companies may also provide bonuses for hitting performance goals or working in busy areas, increasing earning potential.
