Truck driver pay in 2025 continues to climb as demand for skilled drivers remains high across nearly every segment of the industry. But not all driving jobs are created equal—some require more training, more risk, and more hours on the road. These jobs, in turn, offer significantly higher earning potential.
While the average truck driver salary in the U.S. sits around $92,720 per year according to Indeed, drivers who take on specialized roles, difficult hauls, or remote routes can see that number double—or even triple.
Whether you're just starting out with a CDL or you're a seasoned pro looking to pivot into a more lucrative lane, here's a look at the 10 highest-paying trucking jobs in 2025—and what it takes to land them.
1. Owner-Operator
- Average Annual Salary: $342,019
- Top Earners: Up to $400,000 Indeed
If you're dreaming of true independence and have a solid head for both trucking and business, becoming an owner-operator could be your golden ticket. These drivers aren’t just behind the wheel—they're running a full-fledged small business.
Owner-operators own or lease their own trucks and choose the loads they haul. That could mean anything from general freight to refrigerated goods, oversized machinery, or even hazmat materials—depending on their endorsements and contracts.
But big earnings come with big responsibilities. Owner-operators handle their own insurance, maintenance, bookkeeping, and customer relations. The flexibility and earning potential are huge, but so are the startup costs and risks.
How to Become One:
To become an owner-operator, you'll need a CDL, 1–2 years of driving experience, and access to financing to purchase or lease your own truck. But running your own business also means juggling permits, insurance, compliance, load hunting, and back-office logistics—which can get overwhelming fast.
That’s where CloudTrucks comes in.
With Virtual Carrier, CloudTrucks give drivers the tools and support they need to run their business without the usual headaches. You’ll get access to a powerful load board, instant payouts, and compliance management—all in one easy-to-use app.
You stay independent. We handle the busywork.
Don’t have your own truck yet? No problem. Our Road to Independence program is designed to help qualified drivers get into a truck without a massive upfront investment, putting you on the fast track to becoming your own boss.
If you’ve got the drive, CloudTrucks can help you maximize your earnings and focus on what matters most—being on the road and building your future.
Explore Virtual Carrier
2. Team Truck Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $90,312
Top Earners: Up to $150,000 ZipRecruiter
Team drivers are the speed demons of long-haul logistics. Instead of one driver pulling over to rest, teams of two drivers trade shifts—keeping the truck moving up to 22 hours a day. That kind of efficiency is prized by companies needing fast coast-to-coast delivery, and they’re willing to pay extra for it.
Teams often haul high-priority freight like medical supplies, retail restocks, or e-commerce orders. Some teams even specialize in government or military freight.
What You’ll Need: A CDL for both drivers, a reliable partner you trust (teams are often spouses or friends), and the endurance to manage fast-paced, high-mileage routes. Expect tight quarters and long stretches on the road—but also big paychecks.
3. Specialty Vehicle Haulers (Car Haulers)
Average Annual Salary: $96,083 Indeed
Car haulers transport high-end or sensitive cargo—think luxury cars, antique vehicles, or race cars. These are not your average loads. They're prized possessions that require white-glove treatment from pick-up to delivery.
In this niche, precision is everything. Loading and unloading is a careful, multi-step process to avoid scratches or damage. Drivers are also trained to handle vehicles with very low clearance and delicate finishes.
Want In? Start with a solid CDL-A and a clean record. Then look for a car hauling company that offers training—or try to get your foot in the door by hauling more basic freight for the same company. Attention to detail and a calm demeanor are key in this role.
4. Oversized Load Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $96,532 ZipRecruiter
Got nerves of steel and a knack for logistics? Oversized load drivers haul cargo that defies the typical trailer box—industrial machinery, prefabricated homes, wind turbine blades, and other massive freight.
These loads require careful route planning, permits, escorts, and extra insurance. The job also comes with strict rules about when and where you can drive—often limited to daylight hours and certain highways.
What It Takes: A Class A CDL, clean driving history, and several years of experience hauling standard freight. Some employers require additional endorsements or training in load securing and route safety. The work is slow, precise, and sometimes stressful—but well worth it for the pay.
5. Regional Truck Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $75,877 ZipRecruiter
For drivers who want a steady paycheck and the ability to sleep in their own bed more than once a week, regional trucking is a sweet spot. These drivers typically work within a few hundred miles of a central hub, often covering a single region like the Southeast, Midwest, or Pacific Northwest.
The hauls are diverse—everything from food and beverage freight to construction materials and retail goods. Routes can be repetitive, but that predictability can be a big perk for drivers who want more home time.
Interested? You'll need a CDL and at least a few months of experience. Many regional gigs are offered by large carriers that provide steady loads and consistent schedules. It’s a great role for newer drivers looking to build experience without committing to life on the road 24/7.
6. Ice Road Truckers
Average Annual Salary: $81,820 ZipRecruiter
This is one of the most extreme—and legendary—jobs in trucking. Ice road drivers navigate remote, frozen routes in places like northern Canada and Alaska, delivering critical supplies to isolated communities, oil fields, and mining camps during the short winter season.
The terrain is unpredictable. You’re driving over frozen lakes and temporary winter roads that only exist for a few months. It’s dangerous. It’s cold. But the money? Impressive.
Ready to Roll? You’ll need a spotless driving record, years of experience, and often referrals from trusted carriers. Companies look for drivers who’ve handled snow, ice, and mountainous terrain before. Ice road jobs are often contracted out and filled months in advance—so planning ahead is crucial.
7. Tanker Truck Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $59,556 ZipRecruiter
Tanker drivers haul liquids—think gasoline, milk, chemicals, or even industrial gases. Sounds simple? Not quite. Liquids shift during transit, making it easy to lose control if you brake too hard or take a turn too quickly. Add hazardous materials to the mix, and the stakes are even higher.
These drivers are trained to understand the physics of liquid movement, chemical safety procedures, and how to manage emergency situations.
What You’ll Need: A CDL with a tanker (N) endorsement—and a hazmat (H) endorsement if you’re hauling hazardous materials. Most employers also require prior experience due to the level of responsibility. Safety is key, and precision is non-negotiable.
8. Hazmat Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $57,554 ZipRecruiter
Hazmat drivers transport highly regulated, potentially dangerous goods—everything from corrosive chemicals to flammable gases. These drivers are held to stricter standards than typical freight haulers and must be constantly vigilant. One wrong move could mean environmental disaster or major health risks.
Because of the risk, hazmat jobs usually come with better pay, hazard bonuses, and more oversight. Many hazmat drivers also get extra hours or overtime pay, especially if they’re certified for emergency response.
Requirements: CDL plus hazmat endorsement (H), background check through TSA, and sometimes security clearance for certain loads. Employers often want 1–2 years of clean driving experience and additional training in hazardous materials handling.
9. Mining Industry Truck Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $42,488 ZipRecruiter
Mining truck drivers operate massive off-road dump trucks at mining sites, quarries, and processing facilities. These aren’t your standard 18-wheelers—think 200-ton haulers with tires taller than most people.
These roles are all about consistency and safety. Drivers are expected to run multiple loads per shift in a highly choreographed flow of activity—moving ore, rock, or sand between locations. It's more like operating heavy equipment than standard road driving.
Getting Started: These jobs typically require a CDL, but many employers offer on-the-job training for equipment-specific certifications. Experience with off-road or construction vehicles is a major plus. Most jobs are remote, so you’ll often be staying on-site for days or weeks at a time.
10. Private Fleet Drivers
Average Annual Salary: $29,992 ZipRecruiter
Private fleet drivers work directly for a specific company—typically large retailers, food distributors, or manufacturers—to haul their products between warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations. On paper, this job might seem like a jackpot: consistent routes, predictable hours, and brand-name employers. But in reality, the pay is often underwhelming.
According to recent data, the national average salary for private fleet drivers is around $29,992 per year, and many entry-level fleet drivers earn even less. While companies like Walmart have boosted driver pay into the six-figure range, these roles are the exception, not the rule—and they're incredibly competitive to land.
In many cases, fleet drivers are expected to juggle additional warehouse duties, deal with tight delivery schedules, or operate under more corporate oversight compared to traditional freight companies.
What to Know: You’ll need a CDL and a clean driving record. Some fleet jobs come with basic benefits or paid time off, but many don’t offer the earning potential or freedom of other driving gigs. If you're looking to climb the income ladder quickly, a private fleet role may not be the fastest route.
