If you are looking for truck driver or delivery driver jobs in the USA, the transportation industry offers several career paths, from local package delivery to long-haul tractor-trailer driving.

These jobs can be attractive to people who prefer practical, hands-on work rather than an office-based career. Depending on the position, drivers may deliver packages locally, transport freight between cities, or operate large commercial trucks across multiple states.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had a median annual wage of $57,440 in May 2024, while light truck drivers had a median annual wage of $44,140.

This guide explains truck driver salaries, delivery driver jobs, CDL requirements, job duties, qualifications, work schedules, career outlook, and how to find legitimate driving jobs in the USA.

What Is a Truck Driver?

A truck driver transports goods, materials, equipment, or other cargo from one location to another.

Truck driving jobs can be divided into several categories, including:

Heavy truck driver
Tractor-trailer driver
Local delivery driver
Light truck driver
Box truck driver
Route delivery driver
Freight driver
Long-haul truck driver
Regional truck driver
Driver/sales worker

The type of license, vehicle, route, cargo, and work schedule can differ significantly between these positions.

What Does a Truck Driver Do?

A professional truck driver’s responsibilities can include:

Inspecting the vehicle before a trip
Loading or checking cargo
Driving to assigned destinations
Following traffic and safety regulations
Maintaining delivery records
Communicating with dispatchers
Checking delivery documentation
Unloading cargo when required
Reporting vehicle problems
Completing scheduled deliveries

Long-distance drivers may spend several days away from home, while local delivery drivers may return home at the end of each shift.

What Is a Delivery Driver?

A delivery driver generally transports packages, food, retail products, groceries, or other goods to customers or businesses.

Unlike long-haul truck drivers, many delivery drivers operate smaller trucks or vans and work within a local area.

BLS describes light truck drivers as workers who commonly pick up and deliver goods from distribution centers, retail locations, or other businesses to customers.

This makes delivery driving an option for people who want a driving career without spending extended periods on interstate routes.

Truck Driver Salary in the USA

Truck driver pay depends on the type of driving job, location, experience, employer, cargo, schedule, and compensation system.

Heavy Truck Driver Salary

According to BLS, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $57,440 in May 2024.

The lowest 10% earned less than $38,640, while the highest 10% earned more than $78,800.

BLS also reports median wages in major industries employing heavy truck drivers:

Truck transportation: $59,570
Wholesale trade: $57,260
Manufacturing: $54,860
Construction: $54,170

Delivery Driver Salary

For light truck drivers, BLS reported a median annual wage of $44,140 in May 2024.

The lowest 10% earned less than $29,580, while the highest 10% earned more than $79,630.

Delivery driver compensation can also include tips, bonuses, commissions, or other payments depending on the job.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make Per Hour?

Annual salary can be converted into an approximate hourly figure, but actual earnings depend on the number of hours worked and the employer’s pay system.

For example, a $57,440 annual median salary is approximately $27.62 per hour if calculated over 2,080 hours.

However, truck drivers are not always paid strictly by the hour. Some long-distance drivers are paid according to miles driven, with additional bonuses or other compensation.

Therefore, applicants should always ask whether a job pays:

Hourly
By the mile
By the delivery
By the route
Salary
Salary plus bonuses
Commission
Tips

Are Truck Driver Jobs in Demand in the USA?

Yes. The transportation industry continues to require drivers to move goods throughout the country.

BLS projects 4% employment growth for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers from 2024 to 2034, approximately as fast as the average for all occupations. More importantly for job seekers, BLS projects approximately 237,600 openings per year for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers during this period.

For delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers, BLS projects 8% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 171,400 openings per year.

The continued need for transportation and the growth of e-commerce and local delivery services are among the factors supporting demand for delivery drivers.

Truck Driver vs Delivery Driver

Although the terms are sometimes used together, the jobs can be quite different.

Feature	Truck Driver	Delivery Driver
Vehicle	Tractor-trailer or heavy truck	Van, pickup, or light truck
Typical work	Freight transportation	Local package/product delivery
CDL	Often required	May not be required
Route	Local, regional, or interstate	Usually local or regional
Home time	Can involve overnight trips	Often home daily
Physical work	Loading/unloading may be required	Frequent package handling
Salary	Often higher for heavy trucks	Varies by employer
Schedule	Can be long or irregular	Often scheduled routes

The exact requirements depend on the vehicle and job.

Do You Need a CDL to Become a Truck Driver?

For many heavy commercial truck driving positions, yes, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) explains that commercial motor vehicle drivers generally need a CDL issued by their state, and different vehicle types may require different CDL classes or endorsements.

A CDL is not necessarily required for every delivery job. Smaller vehicles may be operated with a regular driver’s license if the vehicle and job fall outside CDL requirements.

Always check the exact vehicle and employer requirements before applying.

How to Get a CDL in the USA

The CDL process is administered by individual states, while federal standards apply to commercial driving.

According to FMCSA, the general process includes:

Review your state’s CDL manual.
Determine which type of commercial vehicle you want to operate.
Obtain the appropriate commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
Complete required training when applicable.
Meet applicable medical and other requirements.
Hold the CLP for the required period.
Pass the required CDL skills tests.
Apply for and receive the CDL from your state.

For first-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants who receive a CLP on or after February 7, 2022, federal rules require applicable entry-level driver training before the CDL skills test. States can have additional requirements.

Because rules can change, applicants should confirm current requirements with their state’s licensing agency and FMCSA resources.

What Qualifications Do Truck Drivers Need?

Requirements vary according to the job, but employers commonly look for:

Valid driver’s license or CDL
Acceptable driving record
Ability to pass required tests
Ability to follow safety procedures
Basic communication skills
Dependability
Time management
Physical ability to perform required duties
Ability to operate the assigned vehicle safely

Heavy truck drivers typically have a high school diploma and attend professional truck-driving school before obtaining a CDL.

Skills That Can Help a Delivery Driver

Successful delivery drivers often need:

Safe Driving

Drivers must remain attentive and follow traffic laws, especially when operating larger vehicles.

Time Management

Many delivery routes involve multiple stops and scheduled delivery windows.

Navigation

Drivers need to find addresses efficiently and adapt to traffic or route changes.

Customer Service

Delivery drivers often interact directly with customers, businesses, warehouse workers, and dispatchers.

Physical Fitness

Some delivery jobs require repeated lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading. BLS notes that delivery driving can be physically demanding.

Local Delivery Driver Jobs

If you want to spend more time at home, a local delivery driver job may be worth considering.

Local drivers commonly deliver:

Packages
Groceries
Restaurant supplies
Building materials
Retail products
Medical supplies
Wholesale goods

Some drivers complete a single route each day, while others make multiple trips between distribution centers and delivery locations.

Long-Haul Truck Driving Jobs

Long-haul truck drivers transport freight over much longer distances.

This type of job can offer higher earning potential than some local positions, but drivers may spend significant periods away from home.

Before accepting a long-haul position, ask about:

Average time away from home
Mileage pay
Bonuses
Benefits
Layover pay
Training pay
Equipment
Fuel policies
Route type
Driver expectations

Never assume that a job advertised with a high annual salary will produce the same amount of take-home income for every driver.

Entry-Level Truck Driver Jobs

People starting a driving career may search for:

Entry-level truck driver jobs
CDL trainee jobs
Local CDL driver jobs
Class A CDL jobs
Class B CDL jobs
Delivery driver jobs
Box truck driver jobs
No-experience delivery jobs
Company-sponsored CDL training

Some employers offer training programs for new drivers, while others require applicants to already have the necessary CDL and experience.

Read the complete job description before applying.

Delivery Driver Jobs Without a CDL

Not every delivery position requires a commercial driver’s license.

Some employers use vans, cars, pickup trucks, or smaller vehicles that can be operated with a regular state driver’s license.

However, requirements vary according to the vehicle, employer, state, and type of work.

A job advertisement saying “delivery driver” does not automatically mean that a CDL is unnecessary. Check the vehicle specifications and licensing requirements.

Truck Driver Work Schedule

Driving schedules can vary significantly.

A local delivery driver may work a predictable daytime route, while a long-haul driver may spend nights away from home.

Possible schedules include:

Full-time
Part-time
Early morning
Evening
Overnight
Weekend
Regional routes
Interstate routes

BLS notes that many delivery drivers work full time, some work more than 40 hours per week, and schedules can include weekends and holidays.

Advantages of Truck and Delivery Driving Jobs

Driving careers can offer several advantages.

Strong Demand

The transportation industry supports millions of jobs and continues to require workers who can move goods.

Multiple Career Paths

Drivers can choose among local delivery, regional freight, long-haul trucking, specialized transportation, and other roles.

Accessible Education Path

Many driving careers do not require a four-year college degree. Heavy truck drivers generally need professional training and a CDL rather than a bachelor’s degree.

Potential for Career Growth

Experienced drivers may move into roles such as:

Fleet driver
Driver trainer
Dispatcher
Transportation coordinator
Fleet manager
Owner-operator

The requirements and responsibilities for these positions vary.

Challenges of Truck Driver Jobs

Driving is not an easy career for everyone.

Potential challenges include:

Long periods of sitting
Traffic congestion
Weather conditions
Irregular schedules
Physical loading and unloading
Time pressure
Extended time away from home
Vehicle safety responsibilities

Delivery drivers may also experience frequent lifting and walking. BLS notes that light truck drivers have relatively high rates of workplace injuries and illnesses, partly because of lifting, moving packages, and vehicle accidents.

Understanding these challenges before applying can help you choose a job that matches your lifestyle.

How to Find Legitimate Truck Driver Jobs in the USA

Use reputable job boards, transportation company career pages, state employment resources, and verified recruiters.

Useful search phrases include:

Truck driver jobs in USA
CDL truck driver jobs
Class A CDL jobs
Local truck driver jobs
Delivery driver jobs near me
Entry level truck driver jobs
No experience truck driver jobs
CDL jobs hiring now
Long haul truck driver jobs
Regional truck driver jobs
Local delivery driver jobs
Box truck driver jobs
CDL driver jobs with training

When comparing vacancies, look beyond the headline salary. Check the actual pay structure, benefits, schedule, route, required experience, and home-time policy.

How to Avoid Truck Driver Job Scams

Job seekers should be careful with online advertisements that promise unusually high earnings or guaranteed employment.

Be cautious if someone:

Requests money before hiring you
Guarantees a job without an interview
Asks you to purchase gift cards
Sends a suspicious check
Requests sensitive financial information immediately
Uses pressure to make you pay for “registration”
Promises a guaranteed visa or immigration outcome

Never assume a recruiter is legitimate simply because they use a company logo or professional-looking advertisement.

Verify the employer independently before providing personal documents or money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a truck driver make in the USA?

The BLS reported a $57,440 median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in May 2024.

How much does a delivery driver make?

BLS reported a $44,140 median annual wage for light truck drivers in May 2024. Driver/sales workers had a median annual wage of $37,130.

Do truck drivers need a CDL?

Most heavy commercial truck driving positions require a CDL. Specific requirements depend on the vehicle and type of commercial driving.

Can I become a truck driver without a college degree?

Yes. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically need a high school diploma and professional truck-driving training rather than a four-year college degree. A CDL is required for applicable commercial vehicles.

Are delivery driver jobs available without a CDL?

Some local delivery jobs use vehicles that do not require a CDL. However, the requirement depends on the vehicle and job, so applicants should check each vacancy carefully.

Is truck driving a good career in the USA?

It can be a good option for people who enjoy driving, prefer practical work, and are comfortable with the demands of transportation. The career also offers multiple routes, including local, regional, and long-distance driving.

What is the difference between a truck driver and a delivery driver?

A truck driver often transports freight using a heavy commercial vehicle, while a delivery driver commonly uses a van or light truck to deliver packages or products locally. The terminology varies between employers.

Final Thoughts

Truck Driver and Delivery Driver jobs in the USA can provide practical career opportunities for people who want to work in transportation without pursuing a traditional four-year college degree.

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers had a $57,440 median annual wage in 2024, while light truck drivers had a $44,140 median annual wage. BLS also projects approximately 237,600 annual openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 171,400 annual openings for delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers between 2024 and 2034.