Lucrative Fuel Trucking: Salary Insights And Career Opportunities

how much do fuel truckers make

Fuel truck drivers' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the company they work for. In the United States, the hourly wage for this job ranges from $19.40 to $32.44 per hour, with an average annual salary of $51,216 in California as of February 2025. Entry-level positions can expect an average total compensation of $20.10 per hour, while those with 1-4 years of experience may earn around $22.71 per hour. Some fuel truckers report earning six-figure salaries, with factors such as overtime, bonuses, and location contributing to higher pay.

Characteristics Values
Entry-level Fuel Truck Driver with less than 1 year of experience $20.10/hour
Early career Fuel Truck Driver with 1-4 years of experience $22.71/hour
Highest pay for a Fuel Truck Driver $32.44/hour
Lowest pay for a Fuel Truck Driver $19.40/hour
Average annual salary for a Fuel Truck Driver in California $51,216
Typical pay range for Fuel Truck Drivers in California $44,740 to $59,207
Typical earning range for Fuel Truck Drivers in California $38,844 to $66,482
Average annual salary for a fuel hauler $50k to $67k
Annual salary for a fuel hauler working 55 hours a week $105k
Annual salary for a fuel hauler working 45 hours a week $85k
Annual salary for a fuel hauler working 60 hours a week $100k
Starting hourly rate for fuel haulers with 1 year of commercial driving experience at Loves n DFW $27/hour
Annual salary for a fuel hauler in Portland/Vancouver $100k

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Salary depends on experience

Some fuel truckers have reported earning between $69,000 and $105,000 per year, with the ability to break six figures in some cases. However, it is important to note that salary can vary depending on the company, location, and the number of hours worked. For example, fuel truckers in California reported an average annual salary of $51,216, with most professionals earning between $38,844 and $66,482.

Additionally, having certain endorsements and certifications can impact salary. For instance, having a hazmat endorsement, tanker endorsement, and doubles/triples endorsements can lead to higher-paying jobs. Some companies may also offer higher salaries for fuel truckers who are willing to work night shifts or have a flexible work schedule.

It is worth noting that salary negotiations are also possible in this line of work. Fuel truckers can consider changing employers and moving to a company that is willing to pay higher wages for their skills. Managing experience also plays a role in salary potential, as overseeing more junior fuel truck drivers can lead to increased earnings.

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Salary by location

The salary of a fuel trucker can vary depending on the location and the company they work for. For example, some companies like XPO, Old Dominion, and T-Force offer salaries at the top scale, depending on the location. XPO, for instance, paid $30.26 per hour, with overtime after 8 hours a day.

Fuel truckers can also find work in local fuel delivery, earning around $50,000 per year, with some companies offering salaries up to $67,000. These jobs often provide a good work-life balance, with regular hours and the opportunity to be home daily.

In some cases, fuel truckers can earn significantly higher salaries, with some reporting annual incomes of $80,000 to $85,000. These roles may require longer work hours, with some individuals reporting workweeks of up to 70 hours.

Additionally, fuel haulers who work for smaller, family-run carriers can also earn competitive salaries. One individual reported earning over $69,000 per year, working 10 to 11 hours a day, five days a week.

According to PayScale, the hourly rate for fuel truck drivers ranges from $19.40 to $32.44, with entry-level positions starting at around $20.10 per hour and early-career drivers with 1-4 years of experience earning an average of $22.71.

Indeed reports an even higher hourly rate for fuel delivery services truck drivers, with an average hourly wage of $35.54 in the United States.

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Salary by employer

The salary of a fuel trucker can vary depending on the company they work for, their level of experience, and the number of hours worked. For instance, an entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of around $20.10 per hour, while those with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average of $22.71 per hour.

Some fuel truckers report earning between $75,000 and $80,000 annually, with the potential to earn up to $100,000. This often requires working around 50-70 hours per week. One fuel trucker working for Gemini Motor Transport (Love's carrier) near Portland/Vancouver reported earning $100,000 per year with bonuses and overtime, along with a $10,000 sign-on bonus and other benefits.

Another fuel trucker working for a family-run small carrier reported earning six figures, working 10 to 11 hours a day, five days a week. Their gross income ranged from $1,700 to $1,800 for a 45-hour workweek and $2,200 to $2,300 for a 60-hour workweek.

In contrast, a fuel trucker working in local fuel delivery reported earning $50,000 annually, working around 44-46 hours a week. Their colleague, who had been with the company longer, earned $67,000 per year.

According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for fuel delivery truck drivers in the United States is approximately $35.54, which is 52% above the national average. However, some fuel truckers report lower wages, with the lowest pay reported at $19.40 per hour.

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Salary by hours worked

The salary of a fuel trucker can vary depending on various factors, including experience, location, and the company they work for. In the United States, the hourly rate for fuel truck drivers ranges from $19.40 to $32.44 per hour, with an average annual salary of $51,216 in California as of February 2025.

For entry-level positions with less than a year of experience, the average hourly wage is $20.10. This increases to $22.71 for fuel truck drivers with 1 to 4 years of experience. Those with more experience and specialized endorsements, such as hazmat and tanker endorsements, can expect higher wages, with some reporting salaries of $75,000 to $100,000 annually.

The number of hours worked also impacts earnings. Some fuel truckers work around 44 to 55 hours per week, while others may work up to 70 hours per week to maximize their income. Longer hours can result in higher pay, but it's important to consider the potential impact on work-life balance.

Location and company policies also influence salaries. For example, fuel truck drivers in Portland or Vancouver can expect to earn $100,000 per year, including bonuses and overtime. Additionally, some companies may offer higher starting wages, such as $27 per hour for those with commercial driving experience.

It's worth noting that fuel truck drivers generally have the benefit of working locally and being home every day, which can be a significant factor in the pay offered and overall job satisfaction.

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Salary by level of education

The salary of a fuel trucker can vary depending on various factors, including level of education, experience, location, and endorsements.

Entry-level positions

An entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $20.10. This salary can be expected to increase with more experience and time spent with a company.

Education and qualifications

Having additional qualifications and certifications can also impact a fuel trucker's salary. For example, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and endorsements such as hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples can lead to higher-paying jobs. A clean record and fuel experience are also important factors that can influence salary.

Location

Location also plays a significant role in determining a fuel trucker's salary. For example, fuel truck drivers in California have an average annual salary of $51,216, with most professionals earning between $38,844 and $66,482. In contrast, a fuel trucker in Portland or Vancouver can expect to make $100,000 per year with bonuses and overtime.

Working hours and pay

The number of working hours and days can also impact a fuel trucker's salary. Some fuel truckers report earning between $1,700 and $1,800 for a 45-hour workweek, and between $2,200 and $2,300 for a 60-hour workweek. Others report earning $27 per hour with one year of commercial driving experience, while some earn $29 per hour with additional endorsements.

Job satisfaction and income potential

Fuel truck drivers report high job satisfaction, and there are opportunities to increase income over time. Gaining advanced degrees and managing more junior fuel truck drivers can also lead to higher salaries and promotions.

Frequently asked questions

The salary of a fuel trucker depends on their experience, location, and the company they work for. In California, the average annual salary for a fuel truck driver is $51,216, with most professionals earning between $38,844 and $66,482. In other parts of the United States, some fuel truckers report earning between $75,000 and $100,000 per year.

An entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $20.10.

The salary of a fuel trucker can vary depending on their level of education, endorsements, and managing experience. Fuel truckers who oversee more junior fuel truck drivers may have the opportunity to earn a higher income.

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