Truck Driver Benefits
We may be biased, but we think truck driving is a great career. Through decades of experience, we see the advantages and disadvantages of being a truck driver. It’s a privilege to train and educate the next generation of truck drivers. Here at the Academy, we are frequently asked, “what are the benefits of being a truck driver”. We appreciate getting this question and are happy to share the benefits of becoming a truck driver. There are many misconceptions about what it means to be a trucker. Therefore, we created the Six Truck Driver Benefits.
Benefits of a Truck Driver
High Entry Pay
According to the online job market, ZipRecruiter, the national average annual salary for an entry-level truck driver is $58,472. The average annual salary for someone without a college degree is $35,256. This should sound appealing to you because it sounds appealing to us. A 65% increase over the average is a great way to jumpstart a career and provide for a family.
Independence
This is one of the pros of truck driving we hear about all the time. When on the road, you won’t find someone looking over your shoulder. You are a trusted team member and offered the ability to think and act independently. Don’t confuse this with no accountability! You still have a job to be done however you will have the independence to go about the job as you see fit. It may be challenging at first to learn the rhythm of the road. With the help of other drivers and a great truck driving school, you will learn what works best for you.
Job Security
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions is about the future of the truck driving jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the truck driving industry is expected to grow by 6% each year through 2026. This outpaces the expected growth rate of the gross domestic product (GDP). What that means is that more jobs will be created in trucking than the average industry. Also, many truck drivers are getting older and will be retiring. Combined is the chance for you to establish yourself in an industry that is growing in jobs and losing people to fill those jobs.
Median Salary
Great trucking driving pay isn’t just for new drivers. According to the American Trucking Association, the average pay for private trucking companies is $73,000. Going back to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary from over 800 industries in May 2018 was $51,960. The median pay for truck drivers can vary depending on the company and sector. On average, as a truck driver, you are coming out better than most Americans.
Ability to See the Country
The pay can be great but it’s hard to put a price on seeing the country. America is beautiful and we can’t think of a better way to see it than from the road. As a truck driver, it’s great to see everything from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, or the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Think of the stories you will tell of the places and people you have met along the way. Oh yeah, and you get paid to do it!
Making a Difference
Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the economy. Without truck drivers, all the items that people use to survive and be happy wouldn’t be there. We are what allows goods to flow from the seaports and manufacturing centers around the country to make it to all the towns and cities. The service we provide to the nation is immeasurable. And you know what? We love being the men and women who wake up each day and make it happen.
Benefits of Becoming a Truck Driver
As you can see, the truck driver benefits are real. Job security, a living wage to support yourself and family, and seeing the country are all waiting for you. Are you ready to take this opportunity? We are always here to support you and get you in the right direction. Ask us about CDL training and any other questions you may have about truck driving and how to get started.