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Create CVIf you're considering a driving job in the US, the short answer is this: most drivers earn between $15 and $35 per hour, translating to roughly $31,000 to $73,000 per year depending on experience, location, and job type. However, specialized roles like hazardous material transport or long-haul trucking can push earnings well above $100,000 annually.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn, which roles pay the most, and how to maximize your income as a driver.
Driver salaries in the United States vary widely based on the type of driving job, but general averages look like this:
Entry-level drivers: $15–$20/hour
Mid-level drivers: $20–$28/hour
Experienced or specialized drivers: $28–$35+/hour
On a yearly basis:
Low end: $31,000–$40,000
Mid range: $45,000–$65,000
High end: $70,000–$100,000+
The biggest factors influencing salary are license type, route type, and specialization.
Hourly pay is the most common way local and short-route drivers are compensated.
Delivery driver: $15–$22/hour
Rideshare driver: $15–$25/hour (variable)
Bus driver: $20–$30/hour
Truck driver (local): $22–$30/hour
CDL driver (specialized): $28–$40/hour
Overtime availability
Shift timing (night shifts often pay more)
Annual salary depends on how consistent your work is and whether you're paid hourly, per mile, or per job.
Delivery driver: $32,000–$50,000
Bus driver: $45,000–$70,000
Truck driver: $55,000–$85,000
Long-haul truck driver: $70,000–$100,000+
Specialized CDL driver: $80,000–$120,000+
Drivers who are paid per mile or per load often earn more annually than hourly drivers, especially in long-distance roles.
Urban vs rural location
Demand spikes (holidays, peak seasons)
Drivers who consistently work overtime or peak hours can significantly increase their effective hourly rate.
Understanding salary ranges is only part of the equation. These are the real drivers of income:
Standard license: lower-paying roles
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License): access to higher-paying jobs
0–1 year: entry-level pay
2–5 years: steady increases
5+ years: premium roles and contracts
High-demand states (Texas, California, Florida) tend to pay more
Urban areas often offer higher hourly wages
Large logistics companies: stable salaries and benefits
Independent contractors: higher earning potential but less stability
Not all driving jobs are equal. Some roles consistently offer much higher pay due to risk, skill, or demand.
Hazmat Truck Driver
Tanker Driver (fuel or chemicals)
Owner-Operator Truck Driver
Private Chauffeur for high-net-worth clients
Long-Haul (OTR) Truck Driver
These roles often exceed $80,000–$120,000 annually.
Let’s break down why these roles pay more and what it takes to get them.
Requires special certification (Hazmat endorsement)
Higher risk = higher pay
Salaries: $75,000–$110,000
You own your truck
Paid per contract or load
Salaries: $90,000–$150,000+ (after expenses)
Work for executives or wealthy clients
Requires professionalism and discretion
Salaries: $60,000–$100,000+
Paid per mile
Longer hours but higher total earnings
Salaries: $70,000–$100,000+
Getting a CDL license early
Adding endorsements (Hazmat, tanker, doubles)
Choosing long-haul or specialized routes
Working overtime or peak demand shifts
Building experience with reputable companies
Staying in low-skill delivery roles long-term
Avoiding certification upgrades
Ignoring high-demand industries (fuel, freight)
Working only fixed, low-hour schedules
Many drivers stay stuck in lower pay brackets due to avoidable mistakes.
Without a CDL or endorsements, your earning ceiling stays low.
Local routes are easier but often pay less than long-haul jobs.
Hazmat, tanker, and specialized freight jobs are often overlooked but highly lucrative.
Switching jobs too frequently early on can limit your long-term earning potential.
The pay gap between new and experienced drivers is significant.
$15–$20/hour
Limited job options
Mostly delivery or basic transport
$25–$40+/hour
Access to specialized roles
Higher negotiating power
Experience is one of the fastest ways to increase income in this field.
If your goal is to earn more, here’s the practical path:
This unlocks the majority of high-paying roles.
Many top-paying jobs require proven driving history.
Hazmat
Tanker
Doubles/triples
Move from general driving to high-demand niches.
Here’s what a typical growth path looks like:
Year 1: $35,000–$45,000
Year 2–3: $50,000–$65,000
Year 4–5: $70,000–$85,000
Year 5+: $90,000–$120,000+ (specialized roles)
Progression depends heavily on skills and certifications, not just time.
Driving can absolutely become a high-paying career, but only if you move beyond entry-level roles.
Basic driving jobs = moderate income
Specialized driving jobs = high income potential
The difference is strategy and career progression, not just time spent working.
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