Searching for a truck driver job with great pay and stability? You’ve come to the right place! This blog post digs deep into the truck driver job market. It covers the amount of jobs in America, average salaries, and more. So, read on and get all the info you need!
Introduction
The trucking industry in the USA is huge and plays a vital role in the economy. It’s said that over 3.5 million truck drivers live in the US, making it one of the biggest sources of work.
Truckers move goods and products all over the country, ranging from produce to building materials. This means that truck drivers are in big demand and are a key part of the logistics and supply chain network.
As the economy grows, the need for truck drivers is set to increase. This gives lots of chance for people who want a career as a trucker. But, it’s important to remember that the job needs lots of responsibility and hard work. Proper training, education and commitment to safety are major for success in this area.
Truck Driver Job Market Overview
The truck driving industry employs 3.5 million drivers in America. It is one of the largest industries in the US. Let’s look at the job market for truck drivers.
Over-the-road trucking jobs: These involve driving long distances and make up most of the truck driving jobs (1.9 million jobs).
Local delivery trucking jobs: These involve driving short distances to local businesses and stores (976,000 jobs).
Specialized trucking jobs: This is for transporting specialized goods, like hazardous materials or oversized cargo (232,000 jobs).
The truck driving industry will grow by 2% in the next 10 years. An extra 108,400 truck driver jobs are expected by 2029.
Truck Driver Job Outlook
Truck drivers are highly sought-after. Plus, the industry is forecast to expand in the future. Currently, there are over 3.5 million truck drivers in the U.S. per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029. Though, the rate of growth is slower than average. Factors such as automation and the adoption of self-driving vehicles contribute to this. But, there’s still an annual expectation of over 99,000 job openings due to retirements and other reasons.
Pro Tip: To increase your chances of success in the trucking industry, get a CDL. Plus, look into specialized training or certifications in areas like hazardous materials or refrigerated transport. Network with trucking companies and stay up on industry trends as well.
Truck Driver Job Requirements
In the US, around 3.5 million individuals are truck drivers. It is one of the most popular jobs. To become a truck driver, some requirements must be fulfilled.
- Firstly, you have to be 21 years of age or more.
- You need a valid driver’s license and pass the written and driving tests for a CDL.
- Most companies need a high school diploma or GED.
- A clean driving record and no serious traffic violations in the last 3 years are also required.
- Additionally, a background check is necessary, including drug and alcohol testing.
- Physical requirements must also be met. Good physical health, good eyesight and passing a physical exam are essential.
Once all these requirements are satisfied, you can take CDL training and get your license. This leads to a successful career as a truck driver.
Types of Truck Driver Jobs
Truck driver jobs in America come in various forms, each with its own qualifications, requirements, and compensation.
The most common types of truck driver jobs include:
- Local delivery drivers. These drivers transport goods within a single region, usually working regular hours and returning home each night.
- Long-haul drivers. These take goods across longer distances, often travelling hundreds of miles a day. They can be away from home for days or weeks.
- Tanker drivers. They haul liquids, chemicals, and other hazardous materials in specialised tankers. This requires special endorsements and training.
- Refrigerated goods drivers. They transport items like produce, frozen foods, and medical supplies in temperature-controlled trucks.
Pro Tip: Research a company before applying for a truck driver job. Check the company’s culture and safety record to make sure it matches your needs and values.
Truck Driver Salaries
Truck driving is a popular job in the U.S., with 3.5 million truck drivers. The average salary for truck drivers depends on experience and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage was $45,260 as of May 2020.
Job opportunities are expected to increase by 2% between 2019 and 2029. Over 99,700 new jobs will be added to the industry. Goods need to be transported and delivered across the country.
Pro Tip: To get a better salary and job opportunities, get additional certifications or endorsements, like hazardous materials or tanker endorsements. This may increase your earning potential.
Benefits of Truck Driver Jobs
America’s got over 3.5 million truck drivers. And there are lots of advantages to this type of career. So, let’s list the top perks:
- Job Security: E-commerce is on the rise, leading to more demand for truck drivers. So, truck driving is safe and in-demand.
- Good Salary: Truck drivers can earn from $38,000 to $80,000 a year.
- Flexibility: Many trucking companies let you choose routes and distances.
- Travel: No need to pay for transport. You can explore the country!
- Independence: Drivers often work alone, without constant supervision.
- Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Get a CDL and most trucking companies have on-the-job training.
Pro Tip: Do your research when considering a truck driving career. Find the best fit for you.
Conclusion
So, truck driving jobs remain popular in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 2 million of these jobs in 2019. Plus, there’s expected to be a 2% increase in employment from 2019-2029. Truck drivers are essential for transporting stuff in both short and long distances. And, with more online deliveries, the need for truck drivers will stay high.
If you’re keen on truck driving, get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Also, it’s a great idea to get experience with a reliable trucking company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Many Truck Driver Jobs Are There In America?
A: According to the American Trucking Associations, there are approximately 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States.
Q: What are the job prospects for truck drivers in America?
A: Job prospects for truck drivers are excellent throughout the country. The demand for truck drivers is expected to grow steadily over the next decade.
Q: What qualifications are required to become a truck driver in America?
A: To become a truck driver in the United States, you must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You also need to pass a medical examination and meet certain age and residency requirements.
Q: What are the working conditions like for truck drivers in America?
A: The working conditions for truck drivers can vary widely depending on the type of job they have. Long-haul truck drivers can spend days or even weeks on the road, while local delivery drivers typically work regular hours.
Q: What is the average salary for a truck driver in America?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 in 2020.
Q: What are the benefits of being a truck driver in America?
A: Truck drivers have access to a wide range of benefits, including job security, good pay, and the opportunity to travel and see new places.