Truck Driver
Truck drivers operate heavy tractor-trailers and other large vehicles to transport goods over intercity, interstate, and international routes. They must hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), comply with DOT hours-of-service regulations, perform pre-trip inspections, and manage cargo securement. The BLS reports a median salary of $49,920 with 4% projected growth. Sign-on bonuses and competitive pay reflect ongoing driver shortages across the industry.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with a walk-around inspection of the rig, checking tires, lights, brakes, and cargo tie-downs. The driver reviews the route on GPS and checks weather conditions before heading out. Hours are spent driving on highways, stopping at weigh stations, and managing fuel stops. At the delivery destination, the driver backs into a loading dock, waits while freight is unloaded, gets paperwork signed, and logs hours in the electronic logging device before heading to the next stop or a rest area.
Key Stats
Education
High School Diploma
Salary Range
Entry: $38,000
Median: $49,920
Senior: $72,000
Job Growth