How Much Do CDL Truck Drivers Make

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the average truck driver salary is $47,680 per year. But it's important to keep in mind that these are only averages for a CDL truck driver salary/pay, which means that the data includes individuals at all stages of their careers and in all types of trucking.

When researching "How much does a truck driver make?" or “What is the average pay for truck drivers?”, it is important to keep in mind that this data may not be fully accurate based on your individual experience level.

For comparison, we examined the following questions to break down the average salary.

How much do truck drivers make a year: $47,680 / Average

How much do truck drivers make a month: $3,973 / Average

How much do truck drivers make a week: $917 / Average

It is also important to look into the additional benefits available at trucking companies, such as: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), etc. When combined with your CDL salary/pay, these benefits could make one company stand far above the rest.

Though it is often challenging to speak to the truck driver salary/pay at all companies, we can tell you more about our own. Let's take a look at the pay and opportunities available at Swift Transportation.

How much do truck drivers make a year at Swift?

The short answer is: It varies based on the type of freight you haul, your length of haul, and your experience level. Swift uses a sliding pay scale based on experience and length of haul, meaning that the more experience you have and the more dispatched miles you run, the higher your pay may be.

Do truck drivers make 6 figures at Swift? Yes – Some experienced drivers with many miles under their tires make this average income and we understand that you likely want to know what those high-paying trucking jobs are at Swift. Just understand that there are many variables that can impact how much you make.

Below are some approximate average ranges for different segments of our business. Remember, some individuals will make less than this, especially newer drivers, and some individuals will make more. Below are some annual average pay statistics¹:

How much do OTR truck drivers make?

OTR (Over-the-Road) truck drivers are professionals responsible for transporting goods across long distances. They operate large trucks, delivering products to various destinations, ensuring the supply chain's efficiency. OTR drivers play a vital role in the economy by facilitating the movement of goods and ensuring businesses receive essential supplies on time. The following is the average OTR truck driver salary:

Dry Van OTR

Top 25% Annual Average: $92,800 ($1,800 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $59,400-$68,300 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)

Refrigerated OTR

Top 25% Annual Average: $96,600 ($1,900 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $60,800-$68,600 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)

How much do Dedicated truck drivers make?

Dedicated truck drivers specialize in transporting cargo for specific companies or clients, often on a consistent route or schedule. They ensure reliable and timely deliveries, fostering strong relationships with clients. Dedicated drivers are crucial for maintaining supply chain efficiency and meeting the unique transportation needs of businesses, contributing to their success. The following is the average dedicated driver salary:

Dry Van Dedicated

Top 25% Annual Average: $91,700 ($1,800 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $61,300-$68,400 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)

Refrigerated Dedicated

Top 25% Annual Average: $99,000 ($1,900 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $61,400-$68,000 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)

How much do Flatbed drivers make?

Flatbed truck drivers transport oversized or unconventional cargo that cannot fit into standard enclosed trailers. They secure and load items like construction materials, machinery, or vehicles onto open flatbed trailers, ensuring safe transport. These drivers are vital in industries such as construction and manufacturing, facilitating the movement of specialized and bulk goods. The following is the average flatbed driver salary:

Flatbed OTR

Top 25% Annual Average: $98,000 ($1,900 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $60,500-$68,500 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)

Flatbed Dedicated

Top 25% Annual Average: $85,000 ($1,600 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $63,200-$71,500 ($1,200-$1,400 weekly)

How much do Intermodal drivers make?

Intermodal drivers specialize in transporting cargo using multiple modes of transportation, which can include trucks, trains, and ships. They transfer containers between these modes, optimizing freight transport efficiency. Intermodal drivers are crucial for reducing transportation costs, congestion, and environmental impact, making global trade and logistics more sustainable and economical. The following is the average intermodal driver salary:

Intermodal

Top 25% Annual Average: $93,000 ($1,800 weekly)
Annual Average Pay: $59,700-$66,500 ($1,100-$1,300 weekly)

How much do Swift Express drivers make?

Express truck drivers specialize in rapid deliveries, often within a short timeframe. They transport time-sensitive goods like parcels, medical supplies, or perishables, ensuring swift and reliable distribution. These drivers are essential for meeting urgent delivery needs, supporting e-commerce, healthcare, and industries requiring expedited shipments. The following is the average Swift Express salary:

Swift Express

Top 25% Annual Average: $74,000 ($1,400 weekly)
Annual Average Pay per Driver: $49,800-$55,000 ($1,000-$1,100 weekly)

How much do team drivers make?

Team truck drivers work in pairs or groups, sharing driving responsibilities on long-haul routes. They maintain continuous coverage, ensuring 24/7 operation and faster deliveries. Team drivers are vital for meeting tight schedules and maximizing truck utilization, especially in industries where time-sensitive or perishable goods must reach their destinations promptly. The following is the average team driver salary:

Teams

Top 25% Annual Average: $96,000 ($1,800 weekly)
Annual Average Pay per Driver: $61,200-$71,400 ($1,200-$1,400 weekly)

BENEFITS AT SWIFT

At Swift, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that you may choose to participate in that includes medical and prescription drug plans, dental and vision plans, 401(k), an employee assistance program, an employee stock purchase program, and a college tuition program. In addition, we offer a wide range of supplemental benefits that you can choose to participate in on an as-needed basis. This way, you can take care of yourself and your family in all the ways that matter most.

For a list of the benefits available, visit our Benefits page, or learn more about the opportunities available at Swift on our Careers page. Of course, if you're new to trucking, you can get the training you need to earn your CDL at Swift Academy or one of our trusted partners.

*For purposes of this web page, the term "Salary" is used as a basis of pay comparison to other trucking jobs. Swift's drivers are not paid a fixed amount each week. Rather, Swift drivers are generally compensated by the trip as is customary in the industry. The trip pay drivers receive is based on a rate per mile and compensates the driver for all work that is performed as part of his or her routine duties as a commercial truck driver. Such work may include weighing loads, filling out paperwork, time spent conducting pre and post-trip vehicle inspections, securing and caring for cargo, equipment maintenance, fueling the equipment, activities required by the federal DOT or other regulatory agencies, the first two hours waiting to load or unload, or any other routine duties related to transporting cargo from origin to destination.

¹Pay data was calculated using 2021 average weekly driver pay (annualized) from Swift full-time company drivers who received paychecks within the specified line of business. No amount of weekly or annual pay is guaranteed.

Truck Driver Salary: How Much Do Truck Drivers Make

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