High Paying Truck Driver Jobs

Do you want to make money while driving around the country?

Working as a truck driver is ideal for people who enjoy driving and being by themselves, and allows anyone with strong driving and time management skills to put them to good use.

Depending on the type of position, truck driving can be a very lucrative career that provides plenty of freedom. People who have obtained the necessary licenses and experience can expect to earn at least $60,000 per year.

So, let’s take a look at some of the high paying truck driver jobs that are available to those who are qualified.

Truck Driver Job Options

Ice Road Trucking

This is one of the highest-paid truck driver jobs around, and it is possible to earn $300,000 per year. Ice road truckers usually only work for three or four months of the year, providing plenty of time to take on other work. This job mainly involves driving across the frozen roads of northern Canada and delivering goods to mines.

However, it should be noted that ice road trucking can be a very dangerous job. It is necessary to be very experienced and skilled at driving in icy conditions. Ice road drivers usually get paid according to the load, the weather conditions, and the remoteness of the terrain.

Previous experience is essential…

Because this job can be quite dangerous and scary, most companies require at least five years of trucking experience. The experience needs to include hauling all types of freight. Truck drivers also need to have an excellent record and a clean driving license.

Hazmat Hauling

This job involves transporting hazardous materials like flammable liquids, gases, and corrosive substances to various locations. Because of the volatile nature of the cargo, it is necessary to take extra care during the journey. Fortunately, hazmat drivers are generously compensated for their time and trouble.

To do this job, truck drivers need to have a hazmat endorsement in addition to their CDL. To obtain this endorsement, it is necessary to pass a rather difficult test, which many companies pay for. Depending on the company and materials, it is possible to earn up to $90,000 per year as a hazmat tanker driver.

Tanker Hauling

Tanker drivers are in high demand, and the average salary is $60,000 per year, although it can pay a lot more. Fortunately, tanker hauling does not require the commitment to transporting hazardous liquids. However, transporting large amounts of liquids can be tricky, which is why this job comes with a high paycheck.

To drive a tanker truck, it is necessary to have either an X endorsement or an N endorsement. An N endorsement permits the holder to drive loads of more than a thousand gallons. Holders of an X endorsement are also permitted to carry hazardous waste.

Oversized Load Hauling

This job involves safely transporting extra-large loads to various destinations. These loads could be anything from construction equipment to small houses. Pulling these large and heavy loads requires a high skill level, which translates to a higher paycheck.

Many companies require their oversized load drivers to have at least ten years of truck driving experience. Holding an X endorsement or an N endorsement will dramatically increase your chances of getting hired. Fully qualified and experienced truck drivers can earn up to $110,000 per year oversized load hauling.

Luxury Car Hauling

Hauling expensive vehicles is a job that requires a lot of finesse and attention to detail. It is essential to make sure that the vehicles are not scratched or damaged in any way while they are being transported. As a result, luxury car hauling can earn truck drivers around $100,000 per year.

Unlike some high-paying truck driver jobs, no special certifications are required. However, it is necessary to have a lot of driving experience as well as demonstrable skills. Luxury car haulers usually work for a single company and have to undergo a strict screening process.

Team Driving

Team driving is ideal for truck drivers who find long-distance driving lonely and want to rake in the bucks. Many companies hire drivers in pairs to dramatically shorten shipping times. One person drives while the other person sleeps so that longer distances can be covered in shorter periods.

Because of the higher mileage, team driving jobs often pay significantly more than solo jobs. However, it is essential to be comfortable spending days and even weeks at a time away from home. This job can also be stressful if driving teams do not get along well together.

It is not unusual for team drivers to earn at least $110,000 per year. The pay for team driving can be even higher if you are transporting dangerous materials.

Owner-Operator Jobs

Owning your own truck and trailer instead of using company equipment can dramatically increase your earning potential. Owner-operators have the option of operating independently or leasing their truck and trailer to another company. The initial investment of a truck and trailer will be paid off relatively quickly in both cases.

However, people who own their own equipment have to pay their own maintenance costs. For this reason, it can take many people several years to become an owner-operator. Some people find that the extra responsibility is a bit too much for them to deal with.

Special permits and licenses…

People who work as an owner-operator also have several business-related aspects that they have to take care of. It is necessary to obtain a number of special permits and licenses before starting this business. Other related tasks include financing for the truck, negotiating work with brokers, and keeping accurate and detailed financial records.

However, people who have a head for business and are knowledgeable about the industry are likely to excel in this role. It is possible to earn at least $120,000 per year. So, use your business acumen to purchase several trucks, and your earning potential could go through the roof.

Private Fleets

Next on my rundown of High Paying Truck Driver Jobs, we have Private fleets, which are often employed by large corporations to save on shipping fees. Some of the biggest corporations employ thousands of truckers on a full-time basis to transport their goods. This can involve driving long distances and to some quite remote parts of North America.

Corporations often have very high standards, and it can be difficult to obtain a job as a fleet driver. It is often necessary to have at least five years of truck driving experience and a spotless driving record. However, fleet drivers who make the grade can easily earn $80,000 a year with the right company.

Mining Industry Trucking

Talented drivers are often hired by the mining industry to remove materials from mines to the surface. This job requires a lot of attention to detail and skill, as sudden jolts can cause the mine to collapse.

The risk involved translates to a very high paycheck for people who are willing to take on the challenge. Truck drivers who work for the mining industry could easily earn up to $25,000 per month.

Recruiter

If you want to take a break from being behind the wheel, there is good money to be made as a recruiter. The abundance of truck driving jobs means that extra people are always needed to fill the roles. If you have excellent communication skills and enjoy inspiring other people, you could make $50,000 per year as a recruiter.

Instructor

Experienced truck drivers who have a flair for teaching can make good money working as an instructor. They either work at a truck driving school or for a company where new truck drivers need to be trained. Instructors must have several years of experience operating a semi-truck and can make up to $52,000 per year.

Union Driver

A large number of companies such as UPS and Costco feature unions that negotiate benefits and rates for drivers. While it can be much more difficult to get hired by one of these companies, the extra perks make up for it. Union truck drivers typically earn $80,000 per year and are also treated to a wide range of impressive benefits.

Household Goods Mover

Professional household goods movers are in high demand throughout the year and can make a lot of money. This is a good option for truck drivers who are only contracted to work for a few months of the year. This job can be very physically demanding, as it often involves lifting heavy objects in and out of the truck.

However, this job comes with a very attractive salary to make the extra effort worthwhile. Household goods drivers who work directly for a company typically make $80,000 per year. However, those who choose to work independently can expect to make at least double this amount.

Looking For More Trucking Opportunities?

Well, firstly, let’s take a look at some in-depth guides to help you decide which job you’re best suited for. We’ve got our Truck Driver Job Description, OTR Driver Job Description, Truck Dispatcher Job Description, or maybe even our Delivery Driver Job Description, as well as an additional opportunity with my Two Men A Truck Application in 2023.

If you have a criminal record, you’ll want to check up on What Truck Driving Schools Accept Felons, Trucking Companies That Train And Hire Felons and Trucking Companies That Hire Felons for your options. And especially Second Chance Trucking Companies that hire felons specifically.

We also found some interesting reads in the world of trucking. Firstly is training guides such as the Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Training, the CDL Study Guide 2023-2022, the Trucking Life: An Entertaining, Yet Informative Guide to Becoming and Being a Truck Driver, Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving, and the $100,000 and Freedom Too: Why Truck Driving Might be Right for You available online today.

But, if you’re looking to start your own trucking business, then the Trucking Business Startup 2023, the Trucking Business Startup 2023-2022: Step-by-Step Guide, and the Trucking Business Secrets: How to Start, Grow, and Succeed in Your Trucking Business is just for you.

And lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Haul: A Trucker’s Tales of Life on the Road, which made for a great read in the life of a trucker.

Final Thoughts

Most of the highest-paying truck driver jobs carry with them a certain amount of risk. It is necessary to be very experienced and skilled in order to take on these demanding jobs. Truck drivers also need to have nerves of steel in order to navigate obstacles without crumbling under the pressure.

Before taking on one of these driving jobs, you may need to take a test. Most truck drivers are also regularly subjected to blood and urine tests that check for drugs and alcohol. However, if you are looking for a new challenge and have the right skills, these jobs make it possible to save big.

All the best, and drive safe!