Median pay
$57,440
Median annual pay for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Transportation and Logistics
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). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
10-year growth
4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
237,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
2,235,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+89,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Monitoring
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Speaking
- 5Active Listening
- 6Writing
Knowledge areas
- 1Transportation
- 2Public Safety and Security
- 3Customer and Personal Service
- 4English Language
- 5Law and Government
- 6Mechanical
Abilities
- 1Far Vision
- 2Control Precision
- 3Multilimb Coordination
- 4Rate Control
- 5Response Orientation
- 6Spatial Orientation
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Social
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Cautiousness
- 3Attention to Detail
- 4Integrity
- 5Perseverance
- 6Stress Tolerance
Work activities
- 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 2Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 3Getting Information
- 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Work context
- 1In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- 3Frequency of Decision Making
- 4Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- 6Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Representative tasks
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
- Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Software and tools
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Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.