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For Educators: Military Resources

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Median Salary
54,320
Job Outlook
+5%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 240,300 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$22,000

10%

$54,320

Median

$63,140

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    54%

  • Less than high school

    25%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    18%

  • Some college

    1%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Transportation
  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.