Truck Driver Salary in 2025? Complete Salary Guide
Introduction
Truck driving remains one of the most essential and in-demand careers in the United States. With the logistics industry continuing to grow and the national driver shortage persisting, salaries for CDL drivers are on the rise in 2025. If you’re considering a career in trucking or want to maximize your current income, this comprehensive guide covers everything—from national averages and pay by role to top-paying states and insider tips for increasing your earnings.
National Average Truck Driver Salary in 2025
- Median Salary: $62,750 annually
- Top 10%: $89,500+
- Entry-Level: $45,000–$50,000
Average Salary by Trucking Role
| Role | Average Salary (2025) | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Company Driver (Local/Regional) | $58,780 | $47,000–$67,000 |
| OTR (Over-the-Road) Driver | $64,500 | $52,000–$75,000 |
| Owner-Operator (Gross) | $220,000+ | $180,000–$300,000 |
| Specialized (Tanker, Hazmat) | $72,500 | $60,000–$85,000 |
| Reefer Driver | $66,000 | $55,000–$78,000 |
| Flatbed Driver | $68,000 | $57,000–$80,000 |
Source: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, BLS 2025 projections
Owner-Operator Earnings (Gross vs. Net)
- Fuel: 25–35% of revenue
- Truck payments & maintenance: $30,000–$50,000 annually
- Insurance: $8,000–$12,000 annually
Salary by Location: Top-Paying States in 2025
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| North Dakota | $72,500 |
| Illinois | $70,780 |
| California | $68,900 |
| Texas | $66,800 |
| Florida | $64,500 |
Urban hubs like Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles typically offer higher pay due to freight demand.
Pay Models Explained: CPM vs. % of Load
- CPM Model: Most common for company drivers; pay ranges from $0.60 to $0.75 per mile in 2025.
- Percentage of Load: More common for owner-operators; typically 65–85% of load revenue.
How to Maximize Your Trucking Income
- Get Additional Endorsements: Hazmat and tanker endorsements can increase earnings by 10–20%.
- Consider Specialized Hauls: Oversized, reefer, and tanker loads pay premium rates.
- Work for High-Demand Regions: Relocating or running routes in freight-dense areas often boosts pay.
- Negotiate & Track Expenses: Especially important for owner-operators.
Key Takeaways
- Company Driver: $58,000–$68,000 annually
- OTR Driver: $64,000+
- Owner-Operator: $85,000–$135,000 net after expenses
The industry continues to offer strong earning potential for both company drivers and independent contractors in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average truck driver salary in 2025?
The average truck driver salary in 2025 is approximately $62,750 per year, or about $30 per hour, according to BLS and industry data.
Do owner-operators make more money?
Yes, owner-operators can gross $220,000 or more annually. However, after expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance, net income typically ranges between $85,000 and $135,000.
Which states pay truck drivers the most?
North Dakota, Illinois, and California rank among the top-paying states for truck drivers in 2025, with salaries ranging from $68,000 to $72,500 annually.
Geoff is a freelance writer at TruckersTraining.com with 20+ years of experience driving trucks and buses, dispatching, supervising, and training commercial driving teams. His expertise is writing topics on the transportation and trucking industry, and information technology trends.