In this blog, we’ll explore nine of the highest paying trucking jobs currently available in 2023.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver employment is expected to expand 4% between 2021 and 2031, roughly in line with the national average. The US economy heavily depends on the trucking sector. According to ATA, there are 3.5 million truck drivers in the country. While this is a decent wage, there are several trucking jobs that pay significantly higher. On average, 259,900 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are expected per year during the next decade as the top paying trucking companies and highest paying trucking companies will hunt for the new drivers in order to meet the demand of the industry.
OVERSIZED LOAD HAULER
Oversized load haulers transport large, oversize loads that require special permits and escorts. It is considered as one of the highest paying cdl jobs. These drivers are in high demand and can earn upwards of $100,000 per year. These loads may include construction equipment, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and other types of cargo that are too large to be transported on standard trucks or trailers. Oversized load haulers are equipped with specialized features, such as reinforced frames, extra-wide tires, and hydraulic lift systems, to ensure that they can safely and securely transport the load to its destination.
HAZMAT TANKER DRIVER
Hazmat tanker drivers transport hazardous materials, such as chemicals and explosives and this job is highly regulated and require specialized training. Therefore, Hazmat tanker driver job is one of the cdl highest paying jobs as drivers can earn up to $90,000 per year. Hazmat tanker drivers are responsible for transporting hazardous materials, such as chemicals, fuels, and radioactive materials, to various locations by driving tanker trucks. In addition to a competitive salary, hazmat tanker drivers may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Due to the nature of the materials, they transport, hazmat tanker drivers must also undergo specialized training and possess a valid Hazmat endorsement on their commercial driver’s license.
OIL TANKER DRIVER
Oil tanker drivers transport gasoline, oil, and other petroleum products. These drivers often work on a contract basis and can earn upwards of $80,000 per year. Oil tanker drivers are responsible for transporting oil and other petroleum products to various locations by driving tanker trucks. These drivers often work for oil corporations or trucking businesses, and they could be needed to drive tanker cars that can transport up to 11,000 gallons of petroleum.
REFRIGERATED TRAILER DRIVER
Refrigerated trailer drivers transport perishable goods, such as produce and frozen foods. These drivers typically earn higher wages due to the time-sensitive nature of their loads. Pay for refrigerated trailer drivers can reach up to $75,000 per year. A refrigerated trailer driver is responsible for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, such as food and medical supplies, in a refrigerated trailer. It is their responsibility to ensure that the trailer’s refrigeration system is functioning properly and to maintain the appropriate temperature inside the trailer during transportation.
HEAVY HAUL DRIVER
Heavy haul drivers transport heavy construction equipment and machinery. These drivers require specialized training and can earn up to $90,000 per year. Heavy haul drivers are responsible for transporting oversized or overweight loads, often using specialized equipment such as flatbed trailers or lowboy trailers. These loads may include construction equipment, wind turbines, oil rig components, and military vehicles, among others. They must also be familiar with local and federal regulations related to transporting oversized loads and obtain any necessary permits before starting a trip. In addition to driving, they should also possess a strong problem-solving skill.
TEAM DRIVER
Team drivers work in pairs to transport loads cross-country. Making to the list of highest paying cdl jobs, drivers can earn up to $80,000 per year, with the added bonus of being able to share living expenses while on the road. In a team driving arrangement, two or more drivers take turns driving and sleeping in the truck, allowing the truck to be in operation for longer periods of time. Team drivers may be responsible for transporting a variety of goods, including hazardous materials, across long distances. In addition to driving, team drivers may be responsible for inspecting and maintaining their equipment, as well as completing necessary documentation and paperwork. To be a successful team driver, it is important to have strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others, as well as a clean driving record and a good understanding of federal and state regulations.
DEDICATED ROUTE DRIVER
Dedicated route drivers transport loads for a single customer on a set route. These drivers often receive additional perks, such as paid time off and health benefits, in addition to higher wages. Pay for dedicated route drivers can reach up to $70,000 per year. A dedicated route driver is a commercial truck driver who transports goods along a specific, predetermined route on a regular basis. These drivers may be responsible for delivering a variety of goods, including retail products, raw materials, and finished products, to a range of customers.. They may also be responsible for inspecting and maintaining their equipment, as well as completing necessary documentation and paperwork. t is important to have the ability to navigate unfamiliar roads and deliver goods in a timely and efficient manner.
MILITARY CARGO DRIVER
Military cargo drivers transport goods for the military within the United States and overseas. These drivers must be able to obtain a security clearance and often receive additional pay for overseas assignments. Pay for military cargo drivers can reach up to $80,000 per year, one of the cdl highest paying jobs. Military cargo drivers are responsible for transporting military equipment, supplies, and personnel both domestically and internationally. Military cargo drivers must also be able to follow orders and work well as part of a team. These drivers must be able to operate a variety of vehicles, including heavy trucks and tractor trailers, as well as load and unload cargo using specialized equipment.
INTERMODAL DRIVER
Intermodal drivers transport shipping containers using a combination of truck, rail, and ocean vessels. These drivers often earn higher wages due to the specialized training required for this type of transportation. Pay for intermodal drivers can reach up to $75,000 per year. Intermodal drivers transport goods using a combination of truck and rail, allowing for long-distance transportation of goods without the need for a single driver to stay with the vehicle for the entire journey. This can be a high-paying job due to the specialized nature of the work and the potential for long haul trips. Intermodal drivers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo onto and off of rail cars and trucks, as well as operating the vehicles to transport the cargo to its destination.
Conclusion
If we talk about highest paying jobs, many of these jobs require specialized training and experience. It’s worth noting that some of the highest paying trucking jobs may also have higher demand. For example, the oil and gas industry are expect to have a high demand for tanker drivers in the coming years. On the other hand, the demand for refrigerated trailer drivers may be more seasonal, with higher demand during the summer months when produce is abundant. However, dedicated route drivers may have a more predictable schedule and may be home more frequently, but they may also have less variety in their daily routes.
If you’re considering a career in trucking, be sure to research these high-paying truck driver jobs. With the right training and experience, you could earn a lucrative wage while seeing the country on the road.
I hope this blog post on the topic of highest paying trucking jobs was helpful.
