In short
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earned a median $58,640 a year in May 2025, about $28 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $40,140 and the top 10 percent over $79,380. Many drivers are paid by the mile or by the load, so time on the road, freight type and the carrier matter as much as experience.
Yearly wages for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| Middle pay | $58,640 a year, roughly $28.19 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | Certificate to start, then short-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 2,221,200 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 3.8% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 214,500, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What moves driver pay
- Freight type: tanker, hazmat and specialized loads usually pay more and need endorsements.
- Pay method: per mile, per load, hourly or salary.
- Route type: long haul can pay more but means time away from home.
- Experience and safety record: carriers raise pay for clean records.
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Straight answers
How much do truck drivers make an hour?
The median works out to about $28 an hour, though many are paid per mile.
Do new CDL drivers make less?
Yes. First-year drivers typically start below the median.
What truck driving jobs pay the most?
Specialized, hazmat and tanker work, and some dedicated or private fleets.