How to become heavy and tractor-trailer truck driverseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$58,640

25th–75th pct. $47,960–$69,120

Top pay (est.)

$103,200

Top 10% $79,380

Pay in 5 years

$68,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$79,200est.

$68,100–$91,900

Outlook score

53/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

42%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.8%

214K openings / yr

How to become heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Typical education

Postsecondary nondegree award

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Key skills

Operation and Control

3.6

Operations Monitoring

3.1

Time Management

3.0

Active Listening

3.0

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Monitoring

3.0

Troubleshooting

2.9

Speaking

2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

Transportation

3.9

Public Safety and Security

3.2

English Language

3.2

Mechanical

3.2

Education and Training

3.1

Computers and Electronics

2.8

Law and Government

2.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Important abilities

Rate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationMultilimb CoordinationFar VisionControl Precision

Education of workers

High school diploma

54%

Less than high school

26%

Post-secondary certificate

19%

Some college

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

55%

1–3 months

18%

None / short demo

12%

6–12 months

10%

3–6 months

1–2 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

39%

None

32%

2–4 years

20%

6–12 months

8–10 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
2	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
3	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
4	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
5	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%
6	Parking Attendants Park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage.	$35,150	40/100	42%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.