Mercedes Mullins
Fuel truck drivers' salaries vary depending on factors such as skill level, location, and years of experience. In the United States, the average annual salary for a fuel truck driver is around $92,000, with an hourly rate of approximately $44. However, salaries can range from $72,000 to $119,000 per year or $35 to $57 per hour. Some fuel truck drivers report earning six-figure salaries, with incomes ranging from $69,000 to $105,000 per year. Florida, for instance, has a lower average salary for fuel truck drivers than other states, with an average annual salary of $46,264.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly rate | $31 |
| Hourly rate range | $14.66–$48.08 |
| Average yearly salary | $61,908 |
| Yearly salary range | $71,886–$118,951 |
| Average hourly rate in Florida | $35.54 |
| Average yearly salary in Florida | $46,264 |
| Average yearly salary in Chicago | $64,704 |
| Average yearly salary in the US | $81,226 |
| Average yearly salary in the US (including additional pay) | $92,177 |
| Top yearly salary in the US | $149,025 |
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What You'll Learn
Salary range for fuel truck drivers
The salary range for fuel truck drivers varies depending on several factors, including skill level, location, and years of experience. In the United States, the average hourly wage for fuel truck drivers ranges from $24.76 (25th percentile) to $33.65 (75th percentile), with a national average of $29.76 per hour. However, some sources report a higher national average of $35.54 per hour.
In certain states, such as Florida, the average salary for fuel truck drivers is lower than the national average. The salary range in Florida is estimated to be between $40,925 and $59,899 per year, with a state average of $46,264. On the other hand, some cities within Florida, like Port Saint Lucie and Daytona Beach, offer slightly higher salaries, but with limited potential for significant wage advancements.
The salary for fuel truck drivers can also vary based on the company and the specific role. For instance, the average yearly salary for fuel tanker drivers across the United States is $92,177, with a typical pay range between $71,886 (25th percentile) and $118,951 (75th percentile). The highest salary reported for this role is $149,025 per year. Additionally, factors such as cash bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing can contribute to the total compensation package.
It is worth noting that some fuel truck drivers have shared their earnings, which vary based on their working hours and days. For instance, a driver working 44 to 46 hours per week can earn around $1,700 to $1,800, while increasing their workweek to 50 to 55 hours can result in earnings of $2,200 to $2,300.
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Earning differences based on location
Fuel truck drivers' salaries can vary significantly depending on their location. For instance, in the United States, the average hourly pay for a fuel truck driver is around $35.54, which is 52% above the national average. However, wages can range from as low as $14.66 to as high as $48.08 per hour, with the majority falling between $24.76 and $33.65.
Location also plays a crucial role in determining earning potential within this profession. For example, in Chicago, the average hourly wage for a fuel truck driver is $31, which is higher than the national average of $29.76. Additionally, certain cities, such as Nome, AK, Cupertino, CA, and California City, CA, offer salaries above the national average, with California City, CA paying 22.6% more than the average.
The Pacific Northwest and parts of California are known to offer higher wages, with some companies paying close to $40 per hour. In contrast, a fuel truck driver in Little Rock earns $25 per hour, which, with additional hours and bonuses, can amount to approximately $90,000 annually.
The southern economy also influences earnings, with the north generally paying higher salaries for fuel truck drivers. For example, a driver in the southern economy might earn $75,000 for a 45-55 hour workweek, while their counterpart in the north might earn $90,000 to $122,000.
Furthermore, fuel truck drivers in Florida have the potential to earn over $1,900 per week or more than $110,000 annually, showcasing the impact of location on earning potential within this profession.
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Annual salary estimates
The salary of a fuel truck driver varies depending on location and experience. In the United States, the average annual salary for a fuel tanker driver is $92,177, with a typical pay range between $71,886 (25th percentile) and $118,951 (75th percentile). The lowest salary reported was $71,886 per year, while the highest was $149,025. The average hourly rate for this role is $44, with the highest being $57 per hour.
In Florida, the average salary for a fuel truck driver is $46,264, with the top ten cities in the state paying above this average. Port Saint Lucie, for example, offers a higher salary for fuel truck drivers than Daytona Beach. However, the potential for wage advancement between these cities is limited, with only a 4-5% difference in salary.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a fuel truck driver across the United States is $29.76, with wages as high as $48.08 and as low as $14.66. The majority of fuel truck driver wages range from $24.76 (25th percentile) to $33.65 (75th percentile). In Chicago, the average hourly rate is $31, which is higher than the national average.
On Reddit, some fuel truck drivers shared their salaries. One driver reported making $85,000 per year, working 5 days a week, with each day consisting of 10-11 hours. Another driver mentioned earning $69,000 when they started a decade ago and now grosses $1,700 to $2,300 per week, depending on the number of hours and days worked. A third driver shared that they made $105,000 working approximately 55 hours per week.
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Hourly rates
Fuel truck drivers' hourly rates vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, skill level, and employer.
Entry-level fuel truck drivers with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly wage of around $20.10, while those with 1-4 years of experience may earn an average of $22.71 per hour. The hourly rate can increase further with more experience, additional qualifications, and advanced degrees. For instance, fuel truck drivers with hazmat, tanker, and doubled/triples endorsements can earn up to $100,000 annually, although this may involve longer work hours.
According to ZipRecruiter, fuel truck driver wages can range from a low of $14.66 to a high of $48.08 per hour across the United States. The median hourly rate is $29.76, while the rate in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is reported to be higher at $31 per hour.
Some fuel delivery services may pay their truck drivers an average hourly rate of around $35.54, which is significantly above the national average. Additionally, fuel truck drivers in California earn an average annual salary of $51,216, which translates to approximately $24.62 per hour based on a 40-hour workweek.
It is worth noting that some fuel haulers, particularly those operating outside the law, may offer higher pay but could require longer work hours and less favourable working conditions. Additionally, linehaul drivers are paid by mileage, while dropping, hook, and fuel services are paid hourly.
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Additional pay and bonuses
As of March 1, 2025, the average hourly pay for a fuel truck driver in the United States is $29.76, with wages ranging from $14.66 to $48.08. The average pay can vary by as much as $8, suggesting that location, skill level, and experience can influence earnings.
Fuel truck drivers have several opportunities to increase their earnings through additional pay and bonuses. Here are some ways they can boost their income:
- Sign-on Bonuses: Many companies offer sign-on bonuses to attract drivers. This is an easy way to earn a bonus just for joining a company.
- Referral Bonuses: Some companies provide referral bonuses if you convince a friend to sign up with the company.
- Safety Bonuses: Trucking companies value safe drivers as accidents are costly and dangerous. Some companies offer bonuses for maintaining a good record of safe driving.
- Fuel Efficiency Bonuses: Saving fuel can result in cash incentives from companies. Fuel bonus experts can advise on strategies to achieve these bonuses.
- Location-based Bonuses: Driving in certain locations that are challenging due to traffic and local hazards may be eligible for location-based bonuses to compensate for the extra hassle.
- Delivery Dependability: Companies often offer bonuses for timely deliveries as it reflects well on their business.
- Specialized Freight: Handling specialized freight, such as tankers, reefers, or Hazmat loads, typically leads to higher pay due to the additional skills and challenges associated with these loads.
- Breakdown Pay: Some companies provide breakdown pay to compensate for unexpected truck issues and keep their drivers earning even when their trucks are not running.
- Mileage Bonuses: Companies may offer bonuses for exceeding a certain number of miles each month, resulting in extra earnings on top of the regular cents-per-mile rate.
- Education and Experience: Advancing your education and gaining experience can also increase your earning potential in this field, leading to promotions and higher-paying positions.
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Frequently asked questions
The salary of a fuel truck driver in the US can vary depending on location and experience. The average salary is $81,226 per year, with the typical pay range being between $71,886 and $118,951 annually. Hourly wages can be as low as $14.66 and as high as $48.08, with the majority ranging between $24.76 and $33.65.
The top ten cities for fuel truck driver salaries are in the following states: Florida, California, and Alaska. Florida has the lowest average salary of $46,264.
A fuel truck driver's salary can depend on their skill level, location, and years of experience.
Yes, fuel truck drivers may receive additional pay in the form of cash bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
