In 2022, wages rose for truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In their release, the BLS reported that truck drivers earned on average $53,090 last year. Truck drivers earned on average $50,340 in 2021 and $48,710 in 2020. This upward trend in pay is great news for all truck drivers.
Here’s information about the top paying states and industries for truck drivers. Read on to learn more.
Top States for Truck Drivers to Live and Work in
States with the most truck drivers:
- Texas - 210,940
- California - 186,140
- Florida - 99,490
- Ohio - 91,240
States with more truck drivers typically have a higher concentration of trucking companies and logistics companies. Many of these states also have very high populations.
States with the Highest Wages for Truck Drivers
- Nebraska - $63,560
- Washington - $60,210
- Alaska - $59,510
- New Jersey - $59,380
Typically, the states that have higher wages for truck drivers have greater demand for truck drivers. In addition, some states, like Alaska, have a higher cost of living.
The Top Industries for Truck Drivers
Industries with the Most Truck Drivers
- Truck Transportation - 897,370
- Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods - 99,680
- Warehousing and Storage - 84,650
- Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing - 77,550
Industries with the Highest Pay for Truck Drivers
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution - $75,170
- Telecommunications- $71,770
- Support Activities for Water Transportation - $68,440
- Rail Transportation - $66,490
The Outlook for Truck Driver Employment
Through 2031, employment for truck drivers looks good, growing at a rate of 4 percent. Demand for truck drivers and logistics will most likely continue to grow as business and households demand more and more physical goods that need to be transported. Taking into account the steady growth of the industry and rising wages, it’s a great time to find a trucking job in your area. Find companies hiring near you, now!
Are you interested in a trucking job but need CDL training? Find CDL schools near you.