Top 5 Highest Paying Trucking Jobs
Have you been considering making a career change and becoming a truck driver? Or are you currently a truck driver looking for ways to increase your pay potential? If so, you are probably wondering what the highest paying trucking jobs are, as well as which are the highest paying trucking companies. In this article, we will cover the top 5 highest paying CDL jobs, with mentions of a few of 2021’s best paying trucking companies in the US at the end.
Below is our list of the current highest paying trucking jobs in the US. Please note that compensation for a given trucking job can differ from state to state and the below is just a general list of what jobs tend to pay better than others.
1. Ice Road Truck Driver
When it comes to trucking jobs, ice road truckers earn the most on a pay-per-season or time-period basis. As the job title implies, ice road truck drivers are responsible for transporting loads over pure ice during the winter months. Needless to say, it is an extremely dangerous career, but as a result, it also pays very well. Although there have been some reports of ice road truckers earning up to $250,000 per season, according to Truckdriversalary.com, it is more common for the top-end compensation to be closer to $80,000 a season. Please note that this compensation is often for only 2 months of work. Meaning you can always continue working another trucking position for the remainder of the year if you would like to earn even more.
2. Tanker Hauler
Tanker hauler drivers are true transportation specialists who are responsible for transporting various liquids and gases. Due to the difficult and dangerous nature of transporting unstable liquid cargo, tanker hauler drivers must have a CDL endorsed to do the job, maintain excellent records, conduct frequent safety checks, carefully load and unload the liquid they are hauling, and last but not definitely not least, uphold all safety standards at all times. With the increase in transport difficulty, tanker haulers have one of the highest paying trucking jobs, earning up to $99,500 per year according to ZipRecruiter.
3. Hazmat Truck Driver
Like hauling unstable liquids, hauling hazardous materials is another way to level up your compensation in the trucking industry. A hazmat truck driver is responsible for transporting toxic materials safely. Hazmat truck drivers adhere to very strict procedures to ensure the publics’ health and safety. These haulers have a CDL and are specifically endorsed and trained to deliver and dispose of hazardous substances. According to Salary.com, hazmat truck drivers can make up to $91,296 per year.
4. Oversized Load Hauler
Oversized load haulers are specially licensed and trained to haul extra large loads like heavy machinery or anything over 8.5 feet wide. Transports greater than 12 feet wide often require one or two pilot vehicles in the front and/or back of the truck. Due to the increase in difficulty and requirements involved with transporting oversized loads, this trucking job often pays well. According to ZipRecruiter, oversized load truckers can earn up to $175,500, depending on what is being transported and how often you are on the road. However, compensation for most oversized load drivers will be closer to $57,000 per year.
5. Owner Operator Driver
Some drivers prefer to be their own boss and start their own trucking company. If this interests you, there is a ton of money that could be made in the process. Although there are numerous large expenses to consider, you are likely to still end up earning a lot more than most drivers when all is said and done. You are also likely to spend far less time on the road – which can be a pro for some and a con for others. According to Indeed.com, owner operator drivers are, on average, currently making around $221,000 per year – which is great money to say the least!
As promised, here is a short list of the 5 highest paying trucking companies in 2021. Please note that as discussed above, the type of truck driver you are can drastically change your base compensation rate.
- GP Transco ~ $90,000 per year
- Sysco ~ $87,204 per year
- Wal-Mart ~ $86,000 per year
- Epes Transport ~ $83,921 per year
- Hogan Transportation ~ $83,876 per year
Now that you know a little more about the current highest paying trucking jobs and highest paying trucking companies, hopefully you feel more confident in your decision to pursue a trucking career or work to achieve new endorsements that will allow you to transport loads that have high compensation rates. Regardless, if you are ready to start or progress your trucking career, call Truck Driver Academy today. We would be happy to help guide you in the right direction!
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