How Much Do Semi Truck Drivers Make?

The average semi truck driver salary in the US is $61,356 per year, but take-home pay may vary depending on a number of factors. So, how much do semi truck drivers make? Join Rechtien International Trucks to learn how you can earn the highest possible salary as a semi truck driver, whether you plan to work for a trucking company or start your own enterprise as an owner-operator.

Annual Semi Truck Driver Salary in the US

Instead of the set salary you’ll find in most professions, truck drivers are paid by the mile. However, there are a number of other factors that influence how much semi truck drivers make. Here’s what you need to know:

• Team vs. Solo Company Driving — By making runs together, team company drivers are able to reduce the need to sleep between shifts. Solo drivers tend to make less because they must make more frequent stops to sleep.
• Owner-Operators — Self-employed drivers working as independent contractors often earn a higher gross salary, but must also cover operating expenses.
• OTR vs. Local Routes — The longer the trip, the higher the salary. “Over the road” (OTR) semi truck drivers make the longest trips, and command a higher salary than regional or local drivers. Being a local driver means you forgo a higher semi truck driver salary, but most trips will only take one day.
• Experience — With less than one year of experience, semi truck drivers make an average yearly salary of $57,611. Those with 10 or more years of experience can easily earn $70K and up.
• Location — It’s easier to earn a higher salary in some cities and regions that others. So how much can a trucker make in your state? Keep reading for a rundown of average semi truck driver salaries across the US.

Semi Truck Driver Salary by Region

How much do semi truck drivers make in your area? Location plays a big part when it comes to semi truck driver salary. Because semi truck drivers are paid by the mile, places with many miles of open highway will pull in a bigger paycheck. You’ll find the highest semi truck driver salary in South Dakota, followed by North Dakota and Nebraska. Check out the top five states and the top eight US cities for semi truck driving, below:

Top Semi Truck Driver Salary by State

• South Dakota — +25% salary compared to the national average
• North Dakota — +18% salary compared to the national average
• Nebraska — + 16% salary compared to the national average
• Kansas — +13% salary compared to the national average
• Iowa — +10% salary compared to the national average

Top Semi Truck Driver Salary by City

• Charlotte, NC — $74,444
• Salt lake City, UT — $73,030
• Indianapolis, IN — $72,261
• Phoenix, AZ — $69,118
• Omaha, NE — $68,322
• Dallas, TX — $60,789
• Houston, TX — $60,734
• Chattanooga, TN — $60,508

Find the Right New or Used Semi Truck Today!

Whether your trips require a versatile flatbed semi-trailer, or a dump tipper to deliver raw materials to your construction site, you can find what you need in our extensive new and used truck inventory. Contact us to start customizing your own semi truck today!