Katerina Swanson
There are many factors that determine how much a truck driver gets paid, including experience, location, type of equipment, and type of load. Fuel truck drivers in the United States earn an average of $87,137 per year, or $42 per hour, with the highest salary being $110,952 per year, or $53 per hour, and the lowest salary being $68,903 per year, or $33 per hour. Fuel truck drivers can also earn bonuses, such as fuel mileage bonuses, and additional pay for cash bonuses, commission, tips, and profit sharing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary of a fuel truck driver in the US | $87,137 per year or $42 per hour |
| Median salary of a fuel truck driver | $76,439 per year |
| Salary range of a fuel truck driver | $68,903–$110,952 per year |
| Salary range of a truck driver | $54,502–$189,320 per year |
| Average truck driver salary in the US | $83,158 per year |
| Average salary of a fuel delivery services truck driver in the US | $35.54 per hour |
| Salary range of a fuel truck driver in Little Rock | $25 per hour |
| Salary range of a fuel truck driver in California and the Pacific Northwest | $40 per hour |
| Salary of a top-earning fuel truck driver | $137,350 per year |
| Salary of a hazmat driver | Above average |
| Salary of a specialty vehicle hauler | $74,815–$121,002 per year |
| Salary of a tanker contractor | 71% of the freight bill |
| Salary of a refrigerated solo company driver | 44–49 cents per mile |
| Salary of a flatbed contractor | 72% of the freight bill |
| Salary of a refrigerated team driver | 52 cents per mile |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel truck driver salary range
The salary of a fuel truck driver varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, type of equipment, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a fuel truck driver in the United States is $87,137 per year, with an average salary of $76,439. The salary range for this role is estimated to be between $68,903 and $110,952 annually. The top earners in this field can make up to $137,350.
Some companies in certain regions, such as parts of California and the Pacific Northwest, offer wages nearing $40 per hour, while other locations like Little Rock may offer around $25 per hour. The salary trajectory for fuel truck drivers can range from $57,650 for entry-level positions to $156,288 for the highest level of seniority.
Fuel truck drivers are often paid based on the number of miles driven, with rates varying depending on the company and type of truck. For example, refrigerated solo company drivers typically earn between 44 and 49 cents per mile, while team drivers can earn a cents-per-mile split, such as 52 cents per mile for refrigerated team drivers. Independent contractors, also known as owner-operators, have more control over their routes and earnings. They earn a share of the freight bill, with tanker contractors earning 71% of the freight bill.
The demand for transportation workers is growing, especially with the increasing importance of e-commerce and global supply chains. This demand is expected to lead to better pay and benefits for fuel truck drivers. Additionally, fuel truck drivers with specialized skills or endorsements, such as hazardous materials (hazmat) certification, or those willing to work in remote areas or handle challenging loads, may have the opportunity to earn higher salaries.
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Pay variation by location
The salary of a truck driver varies depending on several factors, including location, type of equipment, experience level, driving record, and the types of loads they move.
According to a user on Reddit, pay varies widely by location. In parts of California and the Pacific Northwest, some companies pay up to $40 an hour, while in Little Rock, Arkansas, the pay is around $25 an hour. Another user mentions that they made around $80,000 to $85,000 working 55 to 60 hours a week in the Northeast. A colleague who worked harder made $100,000, but this required working the maximum allowed hours every week.
The average salary for a fuel truck driver in the United States is estimated to be $87,137 per year or $42 per hour, with a range of $68,903 (25th percentile) to $110,952 (75th percentile) annually. The top earners in this field have reported making up to $137,350 (90th percentile).
The method of payment for truck drivers also varies. Some are paid a rate per mile, which can range from 28 to 40 cents per mile for company drivers and 52 cents per mile for refrigerated team drivers. Independent contractors, on the other hand, earn a share of the freight bill, typically around 71-72% for tanker and flatbed contractors, and 72% for refrigerated truck contractors.
The type of load being hauled also influences earnings. Specialty vehicle haulers, or "car haulers," who transport high-value or specialty vehicles, earn between $74,815 and $121,002 per year. Oversized load truckers, who handle loads that exceed legal dimensions and require additional skills and regulations, earn an average annual salary ranging from $34,000 to $152,000. Hazmat drivers, who transport hazardous materials, also receive higher compensation due to the increased risks and careful operation their loads demand.
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Earnings based on experience
Earnings as a truck driver depend on multiple factors, including experience level, region, type of equipment, and employer. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a fuel truck driver in the United States is $87,137 per year or $42 per hour, with a range of $68,903 (25th percentile) to $110,952 (75th percentile) annually. The top earners in this field can make up to $137,350.
Experience plays a crucial role in determining a fuel truck driver's earnings. For instance, a driver with hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements and over a year of experience can expect to earn more. Additionally, some companies prefer hiring individuals with prior experience in fuel hauling, which can impact their pay grade. Seniority within a company can also lead to higher earnings, as veteran drivers with established relationships are often given priority when it comes to assigning loads.
The type of load being hauled also influences earnings. Specialty vehicle haulers, or "car haulers," who transport high-value or specialty vehicles, earn between $74,815 and $121,002 per year. Similarly, drivers hauling oversized loads, which require exceptional skills and adherence to specific regulations, can earn salaries ranging from $34,000 to $152,000 annually.
Independent contractors, or owner-operators, have greater control over their routes and earnings. For example, they can earn a share of the freight bill, with percentages ranging from 71% to 72% depending on the type of truck. Drivers with at least six months of experience can earn a guaranteed $1,000 per week during their initial three weeks as owner-operators.
Team drivers, consisting of two drivers working in shifts, can also increase their earnings by delivering loads at a faster pace. They are typically paid by the mile, with rates varying based on the type of truck and the number of miles covered.
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Hazmat drivers' pay
Hazmat drivers are responsible for transporting hazardous materials, including corrosive, explosive, flammable, and poisonous substances. Due to the risks and specialized skills involved, Hazmat drivers typically earn higher salaries than standard truck drivers.
The pay for Hazmat drivers can vary depending on several factors, including experience, location, and the company they work for. Experienced Hazmat drivers often receive higher compensation due to their familiarity with hazardous materials and their safety track record. Additionally, some companies may offer higher pay for transporting extremely hazardous materials that require specialized training and certification.
According to sources, the salary range for Hazmat drivers can vary widely. Some sources indicate that Hazmat drivers can earn between $36,000 and $105,500 per year, with a national average of $61,068. Other sources mention annual salaries ranging from $54,502 to $189,320.
On a regional level, pay rates for Hazmat drivers can differ as well. For example, in Colorado, a Hazmat driver hauling propane cylinders can earn $27 per hour with a guaranteed 40-hour workweek. In contrast, a Kentucky Oil & Refinery Company offers a pay range of $18 to $25 per hour. In the inland northwest, fuel hauling job offers are around $25 per hour, while some drivers in the same region report earning $31 per hour with overtime, putting them on pace to make $120,000 annually.
Overall, Hazmat drivers are generally well-compensated for the specialized nature of their work and the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials.
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Independent contractors' earning potential
The greatest opportunity to maximize earnings as a truck driver is to become an independent contractor, also known as an owner-operator. Independent contractors have greater control over their routes, schedules, and earnings. Unlike company drivers, independent contractors earn a share of the freight bill for the loads they haul, rather than a rate per mile. For instance, independent contractors who drive refrigerated or flatbed trucks earn 72% of the freight bill, while tanker contractors earn 71%.
Independent contractors with at least six months of driving experience will earn a guaranteed $1,000 per week for their first three weeks as an owner-operator. Additionally, they can lease a truck to start their own business with no money down and no credit check.
The average truck driver salary in the United States is $83,158 per year, but it can vary depending on factors such as region, equipment, experience, and the type of truck and load. For example, a hazmat driver transporting hazardous materials must be more attentive to safety and receives higher compensation. Similarly, drivers hauling oversized loads require special skills and must follow additional regulations, resulting in higher pay.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a fuel truck driver in the United States is $87,137 per year, with an average salary of $76,439. The top-earning fuel truck drivers have reported making up to $137,350. However, pay can vary widely by location. For example, some companies in parts of California and the Pacific Northwest offer rates nearing $40 per hour, while rates in Little Rock, Arkansas, are around $25 per hour.
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Frequently asked questions
The average salary for a fuel truck driver in the US is $87,137 per year or $42 per hour, which is the national average. The pay range in the US is between $68,903 and $110,952 annually. The highest salary for a fuel truck driver is $110,952 per year, $9,246 per month or $53 per hour. The lowest salary is $68,903 per year, $5,742 per month or $33 per hour.
Truck drivers who transport hazardous materials or oversized loads are paid higher than average. Specialty vehicle haulers or “car haulers” make between $74,815 and $121,002 per year. Oversized load truckers can earn up to $152,000 per year.
Truck driver compensation is highly variable and depends on multiple factors such as experience, type of equipment, region, and employer. To maximise earnings, a truck driver can become an independent contractor, gain more experience, maintain a clean driving record, and be willing to travel to remote locations.
