How Much Do Truck Drivers Make? Pay Per Mile, How Truckers Get Paid and Earnings by Job Type
How much truck drivers make and how truckers get paid
In this article
Truck driver pay depends on how drivers are paid (cents per mile, hourly, salary, percentage of the load or per load), the type of job (OTR long-haul, regional, local, team, specialised such as hazmat or flatbed), experience, miles driven and the company. Many company drivers are paid per mile; local drivers are often paid hourly; and owner-operators earn the load rate minus their own costs.
How truckers get paid
| Method | Common for |
|---|---|
| Cents per mile (CPM) | OTR and regional company drivers |
| Hourly | Local and some regional drivers |
| Salary | Dedicated routes |
| Percentage of load | Some carriers and owner-operators leased on |
| Per load/stop | Specialised or local deliveries |
Plus: sign-on, safety, fuel efficiency and referral bonuses; detention, layover and stop pay; per diem.
What affects pay
Experience, endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles), freight type (reefer, flatbed, heavy haul), team driving, region, carrier pay scales and miles available.
OTR, regional and local
- OTR (over-the-road): long hauls, weeks away, often more miles (see What is OTR in trucking?)
- Regional: within a region, more home time
- Local: home daily, often hourly pay
Owner-operators
Earn the full load rate but pay all costs (see How to become an owner-operator truck driver).
Frequently asked questions
How much do truck drivers make?
It depends on pay method, job type, experience, miles and company; specialised and experienced drivers usually earn more.
How much do truck drivers make per mile?
Company drivers are often paid cents per mile, with rates rising with experience and specialisation.
How do truckers get paid?
By the mile, hourly, salary, percentage of load or per load, plus bonuses and accessorial pay.
Do OTR drivers make more?
Often, due to more miles, but with less home time.
How much does an owner-operator make?
Gross revenue is higher, but net income depends on expenses like fuel, truck payments and insurance.
Which trucking jobs pay the most?
Specialised roles like hazmat, tanker, heavy haul, team driving and experienced owner-operators often pay more.
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