Summary
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Quick Facts: Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers | |
---|---|
$42,480 per year
$20.42 per hour |
|
Postsecondary nondegree award | |
None | |
Short-term on-the-job training | |
1,871,700 | |
6% (As fast as average) | |
108,400 |
What Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers Do
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeding 26,000 pounds. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.
Work Environment
Working as a long-haul truck driver is a major lifestyle choice because these drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time.
How to Become a Heavy or Tractor-trailer Truck Driver
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Pay
The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $42,480 in May 2017.
Job Outlook
Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the demand for goods increases, more truck drivers will be needed to keep supply chains moving.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.