Truck Driver Salary: What You Should Expect

Expected Pay For Truck Drivers in Nebraska

One of the most common questions asked about the trucking industry is the salary you will have as a truck driver. All entry-level truckers are offered a competitive starting salary, even though they may range from company to company. The salary of truckers depends on the company they work for and the position they hold. OTR drivers can make different money than a local driver, but it will depend on each trucking company’s pay structure for its drivers.

OTR Salary

Although each company may pay differently, OTR drivers can expect to make between $45,000 to $50,000 a year. Entry-level trucker’s salary range rival’s college grad salaries and is an enticing reason to consider getting your CDL. Most trucking companies want drivers to gain experience driving OTR for a year or two before switching to regional or local driving. The more experienced a driver you are, the higher your salary usually is.

Benefits

Drivers also have many benefits along with their salary from carriers. Each carrier’s benefits are different, but some common benefits include offer paid vacation days, paid holidays, healthcare benefits, retirement plans, insurance plans, bonuses, and tuition reimbursement plans. Many companies reward drivers who are with them longer with better benefits and more vacation days. After having a few years of experience, your salary and benefits should reflect your hard work.

Additional Pay Opportunities

Endorsements – When you earn your Class A CDL, you are really only taking the first step towards a long, successful career in trucking. You can continue to build up your experience and salary by adding endorsements to your CDL. There are hazmat endorsements, that allow you to handle a variety of hazardous loads. Or a tanker endorsement that allows you to help food distributors move products across the country. Having endorsements can make you more valuable to different carriers, especially after you have a couple of years of OTR under your belt.

Owner/Operator –Another way of increasing your pay is to become an owner-operator. Becoming an owner-operator has its benefits for drivers, but it can be difficult too. Since you own your own truck as an owner-operator, you take on all responsibilities that come with it. Owner-operators must be prepared for those unexpected expenses that arise randomly.

If becoming a professional truck driver sounds like something you are interested in and are ready for a great yearly salary, contact us today to get started. We can get you the training you need to begin your career as a truck driver and start making money!