If you’re considering a career as a truck driver or are new to the field, you may be wondering how salary is determined. The exact pay rate varies widely throughout the industry, but you should be able to get a good idea of what you can earn by examining a few key factors.

3 Considerations That Impact Truck Driver Pay

1. Experience

It’s common in many fields for experienced professionals to earn more than those who are just starting out. The same is generally true in trucking. You may start earning more as you get more years of driving under your belt, especially if you maintain high safety and efficiency ratings, as this offers employers proof of your value as a member of the team.

2. Type of Cargo

Driving with a heavy or oversized load often takes extra time and can be more challenging for drivers. For this reason, these jobs tend to pay more than others.

Some firms also offer premium rates for flatbed towing or jobs involving hazardous or valuable items, since drivers need to be extremely careful in these instances. Having a proven track record with challenging work may put you on a higher income level.

3. Miles Traveled 

According to the American Trucking Associations, truck drivers are typically paid based on a per-mile basis rather than an hourly or flat rate. This means if you drive long distances and maintain a high level of efficiency, you can earn more. However, if you’re based in an area with lots of traffic and areas that are more difficult to navigate, such as large metropolitan areas, the rate per mile may be a bit higher than usual.

If you’re interested in learning the art of truck driving, contact Hamrick School in Medina, OH. The truck driving school offers a CDL program and truck driver training that can prepare you for an exciting, in-demand career. With more than 30 years in operation, the school offers fast-paced programs, flexible scheduling, and small class sizes so you can receive personalized instruction. Learn more about the admissions process and fill out a request form on the school’s website. If you have additional questions, call (330) 239-2229.

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