How to become light truck driverseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$44,860

25th–75th pct. $37,270–$52,310

Top pay (est.)

$104,400

Top 10% $80,310

Pay in 5 years

$52,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$61,600est.

$53,000–$71,600

Outlook score

56/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

35%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.3%

107K openings / yr

How to become light truck drivers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 Light Truck Drivers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

3.0

Operation and Control

2.9

Active Listening

2.9

Speaking

2.9

Critical Thinking

2.8

Monitoring

2.8

Time Management

2.6

Operations Monitoring

2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

3.5

Transportation

2.9

English Language

2.9

Mechanical

2.5

Administration and Management

2.5

Production and Processing

2.4

Administrative

2.2

Public Safety and Security

2.1

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionStatic StrengthFar VisionMultilimb CoordinationTrunk StrengthSpatial Orientation

Education of workers

High school diploma

74%

Less than high school

25%

Associate's degree

Training before entry

6–12 months

3–6 months

None / short demo

1–2 years

Related work experience

6–12 months

22%

1–3 months

17%

3–6 months

Up to 1 month

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 light 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	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
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.