Summary
Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz8Oku9fQfQ.Much of the current driver shortage can be attributed to retirement: The average age of today’s truck driver is 49 years old and many have begun to hang up their keys for good.1 The latest estimate from the American Trucking Associations calls for 890,000 drivers through 2025 — which may seem like an ambitious goal, but given the widening gap. Jul 10, 2013 New data from the 2011 National Household Survey indicates that the average truck driver age is actually 46 years, with the average workers’ age also rising to 41.5 years. In comparing the studies, in 2006, the share of drivers in the 30 to 34 age range was 10.
What Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers Do
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another.
Work Environment
Working as a long-haul truck driver is a lifestyle choice because these drivers can be away from home for days or weeks at a time.
How to Become a Heavy or Tractor-trailer Truck Driver
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Pay
The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $43,680 in May 2018.
Job Outlook
Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the demand for goods increases, more truck drivers will be needed to keep supply chains moving.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Truck Driver Demographics 2018
Average Age Of Truck Drivers 2018
Learn more about heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.