Truck Driver Average Pay Per Mile
Those looking into a career in professional truck driving often pose these two questions:
- What is the average truck driver pay per mile?
- Are there ways you can earn more money as a truck driver?
According to data from Indeed.com, the average industry salary for truck drivers is $95,574 per year in the United States. That’s a rate of $.61 per mile, based on an average of 3,000 miles per week. However, transportation is a broad industry, and many factors go into determining truck driver pay, including:
- Route type
- Years of experience
- Bonuses and incentives
- Certifications and endorsements
- Niche or specialty hauling
Truck Driver Pay Per Mile by Route Type
Pay per mile is the most common method for calculating a truck driver’s pay because it allows flexibility and efficiency while equating to a good wage. Some jobs require professional truck drivers to be on the road more than others, which affects their mileage rate. Below are the average truck driver pay-per-mile rates for some of the most common route types.
Regional drivers operate in a specific part of the country and usually allow the driver to return home every week or every other week, depending on their employer. Regional driving pays, on average, $0.37 – $0.55 per mile.
Solo, over-the-road (OTR) drivers work across the continental U.S. and may cross into Canada or Mexico. The average pay per mile for OTR drivers is $0.44 – $0.58 per mile.
Dedicated drivers focus on deliveries for a single shipper and enjoy consistency with a specific route and more home time. The average pay for dedicated drivers ranges from $0.40 – $0.64 per mile.
Team drivers consist of two professional drivers who drive in shifts, allowing them to complete longer routes faster. Team drivers earn an average of $0.48 – $0.75 per mile, and their pay is often based on the rate of the most experienced team member. Find out more about team driving here.
What to Look for in an Employer
Truck driver pay can vary widely from one company to another. For those entering the profession and looking for stable, competitive wages, it’s important to choose an employer with a long-standing reputation for taking care of its drivers. Werner Enterprises is a great example–founded nearly 70 years ago by a single driver with one truck, it’s grown into a fleet of more than 7,500. Today, Werner continues to lead with strong pay and a range of extra advantages for its drivers.
Werner Driver Base Pay
- The average salary for our professional drivers is $75k+ annually, with top performers earning $90k+*.
- Team drivers can each earn up to $90k annually*.
- Team Elite drivers can each earn up to $110k annually*.
- Must have nine months of teaming experience to qualify.
Find out more about Werner’s pay packages here.
Incentives and Bonuses
Many companies offer incentives and guarantee weekly pay in today’s competitive driver market. For example, Werner offers a sign-on bonus and/or guaranteed weekly pay from $1,000 to $2,000 per week, depending on the account. Other bonuses and incentives Werner offers include:
- More than 500 home time and pay packages.
- Brand new, top-of-the-line equipment.
- Relocation bonus programs on select accounts.
- Team matching program.
- Military skills test waiver.
- Elite veteran driver program.
Werner continues to consistently increase truck driver pay packages, totaling more than $20 million in recent years.
Compensation and Benefits
When choosing a carrier, benefits are just as important as pay. The right compensation package can help you save on healthcare, plan for retirement, and even earn a degree while you’re on the road. At Werner, our professional drivers enjoy a range of valuable benefits, including:
- Up to $15,000 tuition reimbursement is available for those who qualify.
- Rider and pet-friendly.
- Health, dental and vision insurance.
- Life insurance and disability.
- HSA and health programs.
- Paid tolls and fuel cards.
- Industry-leading miles.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Career Currency Program – earn college or graduate credit (family eligible).
Learn more about our available jobs at Werner here.
Endorsements and Certifications
For professional drivers seeking an additional pay bump, there are specialties and certifications that can further increase a truck driver’s pay.
- HAZMAT
Holding a Hazmat endorsement can lead to higher pay – even a few extra cents per mile can add up quickly on the road. Some carriers offer premium rates for both Hazmat and non-Hazmat loads, simply because endorsed drivers are more versatile and in demand. At Werner, drivers with a Hazmat endorsement gain access to more freight and earn more per mile — and the best part? We cover 100% of the cost to help you get certified. - TANKER
Hauling bulk liquids presents unique challenges that require specialized skill. For instance, partially loaded tank trailers can cause liquid surge — the shifting of liquid inside the tank – which makes accelerating and braking, especially at traffic lights, more difficult. Because of this, drivers with a tanker endorsement are highly valued and often see increased pay for taking on these specialized loads. - DOUBLES AND TRIPLES
Few professional drivers are licensed to haul double or triple trailers, meaning drivers with this specialty license are especially in demand.To become certified in these areas, drivers must traditionally complete additional training at a trucking school and/or pass a written or skills test. Specific certification requirements may vary by state or employer
Great Pay and Career Growth from Day One
There are excellent opportunities to earn a strong income in the transportation and trucking industry — even as a new driver. Many professional drivers start out with competitive pay and quickly grow their earnings with experience.
If you are a military veteran looking for your next career, some companies offer special incentives to help get you started. Read more about Werner’s opportunities for veterans on their Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans page.
With a year or two of experience, the opportunities continue to grow. Check out Werner’s Professional Truck Drivers web page to learn more about becoming a well-paid professional driver. If you are considering becoming a professional driver, find out how to get your CDL and start your career by visiting Werner’s page on how to Start Your Professional Driving Career.
*Driver compensation changes. To find the most up-to-date pay packages visit Werner’s Driver page.
