While we know every American truck driver deserves a bonus after this past year, annual wages varied from city to city in 2020, making the profession significantly more lucrative depending on where you call home. Factors like distance traveled, the size of the vehicle, hiring company size, qualifications, working conditions, seniority, pay structure, etc. all play a role in the size of a driver’s paycheck.
According to New Sound Trucking School, 90% of all the consumer products and food in the world are transported by a truck to their final destination; therefore, making truck drivers necessary for the growth of an economy. Truck drivers are needed in every state and city in the U.S., giving drivers a range of options if they are deciding where to live to make the most. Whether you are looking at joining the industry or are relocating for new work, you will want to know where to go for the best driving jobs.
According to Zip Recruiter, here are the top 10 cities for truck driver salaries in 2020:
Best Cities for Truck Driver Salaries
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $61,756 | $5,146 | $1,188 | $29.69 |
| Oakland, CA | $61,054 | $5,088 | $1,174 | $29.35 |
| Tanaina, AK | $60,803 | $5,067 | $1,169 | $29.23 |
| Wasilla, AK | $60,802 | $5,067 | $1,169 | $29.23 |
| New Town, ND | $60,190 | $5,016 | $1,157 | $28.94 |
| Hayward, CA | $59,774 | $4,981 | $1,150 | $28.74 |
| Jackson, WY | $59,711 | $4,976 | $1,148 | $28.71 |
| Norwalk, CT | $59,553 | $4,963 | $1,145 | $28.63 |
| Seattle, WA | $59,363 | $4,947 | $1,142 | $28.54 |
| Vallejo, CA | $59,349 | $4,946 | $1,141 | $28.53 |
The typical truck driving salary is above the national average in these cities and offers more economic opportunities for those in the profession.
At the top of the list is San Jose, CA, with Oakland, CA and Tanaina, AK following in rank. Tanaina, AK beats the national average by $9,894 (19.4%), and San Jose, CA is $10,847 (21.3%) above the $50,909 average. From the top to bottom of this list, the salaries only vary by 3%, meaning that there is limited potential for salary advancement. Due to this, it is lucrative to consider the cost of living when deciding where to become a truck driver. Locations throughout the Midwest are more likely to have lower wages but also have a much lower cost of living, meaning you’ll end up getting more for your money.
As of Dec 29, 2020, the average annual pay for a truck driver in the United States is $50,909 a year, approximately $24.48 an hour, according to Zip Recruiter. This is the equivalent of $979/week or $4,242/month.
Overall, 2020 has been a whirlwind year for the industry, with many drivers and carriers wondering if they would be able to make it through the year. Despite all of this, some drivers thrived this past year through various trucking jobs.
Here are the top-paying trucking relating jobs from 2020 according to Zip Recruiter:
Top Paying Trucking Related Jobs
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Truck Driver | $80,674 | $6,723 | $1,551 | $38.79 |
| Oil Field Truck Driver | $74,173 | $6,181 | $1,426 | $35.66 |
| Gas Truck Driver | $72,304 | $6,025 | $1,390 | $34.76 |
| CDL Team Truck Driver | $70,789 | $5,899 | $1,361 | $34.03 |
| Truck Driver Trainer | $69,740 | $5,812 | $1,341 | $33.53 |
These positions are typically more competitive and require more endorsements or training to qualify for hire. However, all of these jobs are paid between $18,831 (37.0%) and $29,765 (58.5%) more than the average Truck Driver salary of $50,909.
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