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How to Get the Best Paying Driving Jobs CDL: A Definitive Guide

jfwtruckingAugust 10, 2022

0 57 5 minutes read

You may think becoming a truck driver means you’ll never see the high life again. And you’d be right. The life of a long-haul, big-rig driver isn’t exactly glamorous. But it is profitable. The trucking industry accounts for more than 3 million jobs in the U.S., and that number is growing every year. The average trucker makes around $60,000 per year, and the demand only continues to rise.

That means there are plenty of opportunities out there for those with the skills to drive a rig and the know-how to land an impressive best paying driving jobs CDL . Keep reading to find out just how lucrative this career can be and what you need to do in order to become a successful commercial driver like so many others before you.

Reasons for becoming Driver

The most obvious reason why people become CDL drivers is the great compensation. During their first year on the road, truck drivers earn an average of $40,000! This number does not include the amount trucking companies pay to some of the drivers they train while they take the CDL test. By a driver’s second year in the industry, the average salary in the industry rises to $50,000-55,000 per year. Veteran truck drivers who drive their own trucks earn an average salary of over $100,000. There is no other industry in this country in such high demand with such high profits. This is the most influential reason behind the high demand for truck driving jobs.

Another important reason to become a truck driver is to experience the camaraderie that you develop with your fellow truck drivers. Each professional driver shares a special bond similar to that shared by members of the military. Best paying driving Jobs CDL risk their bodies to promote our country’s prosperity. It’s not easy, but your strength and determination is what keeps this country moving forward. Almost 78% of products are delivered by drivers. Your car, the food you eat, the clothes you wear, everything you use in your daily life was in one of the vans.

Truck transportation is not an easy task. It is difficult and ungrateful. A truck driver often misses his family, but he can sleep peacefully at night knowing that he is the reason our country is moving forward. Truck drivers generally have the option to go home every night, but the drivers who earn the most money are light-duty truck drivers who drive their roads at night. Short trips will ensure you see your family every night, but they don’t pay as much as longer trips.

What Does a Professional Truck Driver Earn?

While it’s true that truck drivers earn some of the highest salaries in the transportation industry, it’s also important to note that there are many factors that could affect your annual income as a commercial driver. What company you’re driving for, your experience level, your home state’s minimum wage, how many hours you drive per week, and other factors all affect how much money you will earn in a given year.

That being said, the majority of professional truck drivers make an average of $60,000 per year. That includes the more than 8% of drivers who earn more than $80,000 per year and the fewer than 7% who bring in less than $40,000 annually. If you are diligent about finding a high-paying job, you should have no trouble earning at least $60,000 per year after expenses.

How Much Do Professional Drivers Make Per Year?

As we noted above, the majority of professional truck drivers earn around $60,000 per year. However, this number can (and will) fluctuate based on a number of factors. The best paying driving jobs CDL ensure you earn as much as possible is to drive for one of the best trucking companies in the business.

The best paying driving jobs CDL companies pay their drivers between $75,000 and $100,000 per year. Some smaller companies may offer a little less, while others may pay a little more. However, the biggest companies in the industry are the ones that pay the best.

The Benefits of Becoming a CDL Holder

Becoming a CDL holder can be very lucrative. Not only can you expect to make a very good living as a truck driver, but you can also retire quite early. On average, truck drivers can retire as early as their mid-40s! There are a number of reasons why truck drivers enjoy such a long and prosperous career.

The first and foremost is the fact that truck drivers are self-employed. They are their own bosses and make all of their own schedules, which means they have the freedom to work as little or as much as they’d like. There are also very few entry-level positions for commercial drivers, which means there is a very low supply and high demand. This results in all truck drivers being paid a very good salary.

Earning Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

The first thing you’ll need to become a professional truck driver is a commercial driver’s license. You’ll need to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to drive big rigs and make a living behind the wheel. You can earn your CDL by completing a state-approved training program and passing a road exam administered by your state’s Department of Transportation (or DOT).

The cost of obtaining your CDL varies by state, but most students can expect to pay around $1,000 for the entire process. This includes the cost of your training, studying for your written exam, and taking your road exam.

What to Expect When You Become a Truck Driver

If you’d rather not spend your life dodging potholes in a big rig, you should avoid becoming a commercial driver. No matter how you slice it, truck driving is a dangerous job. There are plenty of accidents and every year, hundreds of drivers lose their lives behind the wheel. If you want to become a truck driver, be prepared for your life to become even more dangerous than it already is.

There are also some serious lifestyle sacrifices you’ll have to make if you want to drive a truck for a living. For example, truck drivers travel hours and hours at a time in order to get from one place to another. You’ll have to be extremely disciplined and organized in order to stay on top of your driving schedule. You’ll also have to be willing to be away from home for long stretches of time.

Conclusion

Driving a truck for a living can be very lucrative and rewarding. However, it is also a very dangerous and demanding job. If you have what it takes to face the challenges and earn the rewards, becoming a truck driver may be the perfect fit for you.

Now that you know what to expect when you become a truck driver, it’s time to get started. First, you’ll need to find the best trucking companies. Then, you’ll need to get your foot in the door and earn your Commercial Driver’s License. From there, it’s up to you to find the best paying trucking jobs and earn enough money to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.