Sylvie Willis
The salary of a diesel fuel truck driver varies depending on a variety of factors, including experience, location, and employer. In the United States, the hourly pay rate for this position ranges from $14.66 to $48.08 per hour, with an average of $35.54 per hour, which is 52% above the national average. Entry-level fuel truck drivers with less than a year of experience can expect an average hourly wage of $20.10, while those with 1 to 4 years of experience may earn around $22.71 per hour. Some fuel truck drivers report earning annual salaries ranging from $50,000 to $122,000, depending on their work hours and days. The job market for fuel truck drivers in certain areas, like Chicago, Illinois, is reported to be very active, indicating potential opportunities for economic advancement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average hourly pay | $35.54 |
| Average hourly pay range | $24.76 - $33.65 |
| Highest average hourly pay | $31/hour |
| Lowest average hourly pay | $29.76/hour |
| Average yearly pay | $61,908 |
| Entry-level hourly pay | $20.10 |
| Early career hourly pay | $22.71 |
| Highest hourly pay | $32.44 |
| Lowest hourly pay | $19.40 |
| Yearly income range | $75k - $105k |
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What You'll Learn
Salary range for fuel truck drivers
The salary of a fuel truck driver varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, skill level, and employer.
According to ZipRecruiter's data from March 2025, the hourly wages for fuel truck drivers in the United States range from a low of $14.66 to a high of $48.08 per hour. The 25th percentile earns $24.76 per hour, while the 75th percentile earns $33.65 per hour. The average hourly pay for a fuel truck driver in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is $31 per hour, which is higher than the national average of $29.76.
Additionally, fuel truck drivers in specific cities may earn higher salaries. For example, the average salary for fuel truck drivers in the top ten cities, including Nome, AK, and Sunnyvale, CA, varies by only 5%, indicating limited potential for significant wage increases through relocation. However, considering a lower cost of living may be a more beneficial factor when deciding between locations.
According to Payscale, the hourly rate for fuel truck drivers ranges from $19.40 to $32.44. An entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect an average total compensation of $20.10, while those with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average of $22.71.
Some fuel truck drivers are paid by the load rather than an hourly rate, and their earnings can vary depending on the number of hours worked. For example, a driver working 45-55 hours at KAG earns $75,000 per year, and their salary increases to $90,000-$100,000 if they work a sixth day. Similarly, a driver working for a family-run small carrier earns around $69,000, working 10 to 11 hours a day, five days a week.
The job of a fuel truck driver can be demanding, requiring a good understanding of safety regulations and the ability to manage various weather conditions. However, it can also be a rewarding career, with some drivers reporting high job satisfaction and the potential for economic advancement.
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Entry-level pay
The pay for entry-level diesel fuel truck drivers in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and employer. According to PayScale, an entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $20.10, which includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. This is based on a sample of 10 salaries. On the other hand, ZipRecruiter reports that hourly wages for fuel truck drivers can range from as low as $14.66 to as high as $48.08 per hour, with the majority of wages falling between $24.76 (25th percentile) and $33.65 (75th percentile).
Location also plays a significant factor in pay rates. For example, the average salary for a fuel truck driver in Chicago, IL, is $31 per hour, which is higher than the national average hourly salary of $29.76. Additionally, certain cities, such as Nome, AK, and Sunnyvale, CA, offer higher average salaries for fuel truck drivers, indicating potential economic advancement opportunities through relocation.
It is worth noting that the pay for fuel truck drivers can vary based on the company and the nature of the work. Some companies may pay by mileage, while others may pay an hourly rate. The type of load being hauled can also impact earnings, with some companies paying per load, which can result in higher income.
Furthermore, the level of education and managing experience can influence a fuel truck driver's income potential. Gaining advanced degrees and overseeing junior fuel truck drivers may lead to increased earnings and promotional opportunities.
Overall, the entry-level pay for diesel fuel truck drivers in the United States appears to range from $14.66 to $48.08 per hour, with the possibility of earning higher wages through experience, location, company, and educational factors.
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Pay by experience
The salary of a diesel fuel truck driver varies depending on their level of experience. Entry-level fuel truck drivers with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of around $20.10 per hour. This includes tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. As drivers gain more experience, their earning potential increases. Those with 1 to 4 years of experience can expect an average total compensation of about $22.71 per hour.
The pay for fuel truck drivers can vary significantly, with the highest-paid drivers earning up to $32.44 per hour, while the lowest-paid drivers make around $19.40 per hour. The majority of fuel truck driver wages range from $24.76 (25th percentile) to $33.65 (75th percentile). The average hourly rate for a fuel truck driver in the United States is approximately $35.54, which is 52% above the national average.
Some fuel truck drivers are paid by mileage or per load, which can also impact their earnings. For example, a driver working for KAG earns $75,000 for a 45-55 hour workweek, but they can increase their earnings to $90,000-$100,000 by working a sixth day. Similarly, another driver for an outlaw fuel hauler company made $122,000 but had to sacrifice their free time, taking only two weeks off in a year.
Location can also play a role in the salaries of fuel truck drivers. For instance, the average salary for fuel truck drivers in the top ten cities, including Nome, AK, and Sunnyvale, CA, varies by only 5%, indicating limited potential for wage advancement based on location. However, the cost of living in these cities may be a factor to consider when evaluating salary.
Overall, the salary of a diesel fuel truck driver ranges widely depending on experience, skills, location, and the number of hours worked.
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Job satisfaction
While salary ranges for diesel fuel truck drivers vary widely, the job satisfaction ratings are consistently high. Based on survey responses, fuel truck drivers gave their job satisfaction a rating of 3.79 out of 5, with fuel tanker drivers giving a slightly higher rating of 3.93 out of 5.
The salary range for fuel truck drivers is influenced by various factors, including region, type of equipment, experience level, and employer. The latest data indicates that truck driver salaries can range from $54,502 to $189,320 annually, with the potential to earn even higher as an owner-operator.
For example, a fuel truck driver working for a small carrier might earn around $69,000, with the opportunity to increase their earnings by working more hours or days. Regional truck drivers, who often work in specific geographic areas, can also benefit from reasonable compensation, additional perks like signing bonuses, and benefits such as paid time off and health insurance.
Diesel fuel truck drivers who are willing to acquire in-demand skills, endorsements, and extra certifications can also increase their earning potential. For instance, a driver with a hazmat endorsement and experience might expect a salary between $75,000 and $100,000. Additionally, drivers who are open to working in remote areas or training for extra endorsements can access some of the highest-paying trucking jobs.
The flexibility and work-life balance that the trucking profession offers also contribute to job satisfaction. Regional truck drivers, for instance, often have more time at home, and ice road truckers can earn a significant income within a few months, allowing them to pursue other interests during the off-season.
Overall, while the salary range for diesel fuel truck drivers is broad, the job satisfaction ratings indicate that drivers are generally content with their careers, and the potential for increased earnings through various avenues contributes to the attractiveness of the profession.
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Cost of living
The cost of living is a significant factor to consider when evaluating the salary of a diesel fuel truck driver. While the average hourly pay for a fuel truck driver in the United States is $29.76 as of March 1, 2025, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on location. For example, the average salary for fuel truck drivers in the top ten cities in the US varies by only 5% between Nome, AK, and Sunnyvale, CA. This limited wage advancement potential suggests that considering a lower cost of living location may be the best factor when evaluating salary.
In Texas, the average hourly pay for a fuel truck driver is $27.73 as of June 5, 2025, with salaries ranging from $13.66 to $44.79. The limited wage advancement potential within Texas also suggests that the cost of living may be a more significant factor in salary negotiations.
The pay for fuel truck drivers can also vary widely by location. Parts of California and the Pacific Northwest are nearing $40 an hour at some companies, while pay in Little Rock, Arkansas, is around $25 an hour. This disparity in pay rates across different regions can significantly impact the relative cost of living for diesel fuel truck drivers.
Additionally, it's important to consider the impact of fuel costs on the cost of living for diesel fuel truck drivers. Fuel is one of the most significant and routine expenses in the trucking industry, and the price of fuel directly impacts profitability and operational efficiency. The cost of filling up a semi-truck's gas tank depends on the tank's capacity and the current price of fuel. With diesel prices around $3.00 per gallon, filling up a truck with one 120-gallon tank can cost about $360, while longer-haul trucks with multiple tanks can cost up to $900. On average, truck drivers spend $50,000 to $70,000 per year on fuel, making it one of their largest expenses.
To manage fuel costs, trucking businesses implement fuel surcharges, which are additional fees charged to customers to offset the fluctuating costs of fuel. Federal and state governments also levy taxes on diesel fuel, with federal diesel taxes at 24.4 cents per gallon and average state taxes at 34.76 cents per gallon as of January 2024. These taxes further add to the overall fuel costs incurred by diesel fuel truck drivers.
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Frequently asked questions
The salary of a diesel fuel truck driver can vary depending on their experience, location, and employer. On average, they can make between $61,908 and $100,000 per year.
An entry-level fuel truck driver with less than a year of experience can expect to make around $20.10 per hour, which amounts to approximately $41,408 per year, assuming a 40-hour workweek.
The hourly rate for fuel truck drivers can vary from $14.66 to $48.08 per hour, with the majority of wages falling between $24.76 and $33.65. The average hourly rate across the United States is about $29.76 per hour.
