Semi Truck Driver

Your Fit

Income

$57K

Preparation

Some

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Semi Truck Driver?

A Semi Truck Driver is responsible for transporting goods and materials across long distances using a semi-trailer truck. This role involves managing delivery schedules, ensuring vehicle maintenance, and complying with traffic and safety regulations.

Sample job titles:

Driver, Line Haul Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR Driver), Truck Driver

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Semi Truck Driver.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Semi Truck Driver earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$39K per year	$47K per year	$57K per year	$66K per year	$79K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.94K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Semi Truck Driver do?

Work environment

Semi Truck Drivers spend most of their time on the road, often traversing interstate highways and sometimes rural routes. The job involves long periods of driving, loading, and unloading cargo, and can include overnight trips. Drivers must adapt to varying weather conditions and spend time away from home.

Quick task list

Operates semi-trucks safely and efficiently over long distances.
Loads and unloads cargo, ensuring it is secured properly.
Conducts regular vehicle inspections and basic maintenance.
Adheres to delivery schedules and route plans.
Maintains logs of travel and cargo according to national and regional regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Long-Haul Trucking: Transporting goods over long distances, often across states or regions.
Hazardous Materials Transport: Specializing in transporting hazardous or sensitive materials, requiring additional certification.
Refrigerated Transport: Transporting perishable goods in refrigerated units.
Heavy Haulage: Specializing in transporting oversized loads or heavy equipment.
Local Freight Transport: Operating within a smaller, localized region, often returning home daily.

Description

Semi Truck Driving is a profession that plays a critical role in the supply chain, ensuring the timely and safe delivery of goods. It requires not only proficient driving skills but also a strong sense of responsibility, as drivers are accountable for valuable cargo. Drivers must be knowledgeable about vehicle mechanics to manage minor repairs and maintenance, and they need to be skilled in planning efficient routes.

This career demands adaptability and patience, as drivers face long hours on the road, often in solitude, and must navigate through various traffic and weather conditions. Compliance with safety standards and transportation laws is paramount, including maintaining accurate logs of their travel and cargo.

There are opportunities for career advancement and specialization, such as becoming a trainer, dispatcher, or owning a transport business. Many drivers appreciate the independence and constantly changing scenery, along with the challenge of managing large vehicles and complex loads.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The independence and responsibility of being on the road.
Opportunities to travel and see different parts of the country.
The sense of accomplishment in safely delivering important cargo.
Potential for lucrative pay, especially with specialized loads or long-haul routes.

You might make a good Semi Truck Driver if you are...

Comfortable with long hours of driving and time away from home.
Detail-oriented, especially regarding safety protocols and regulations.
Physically capable of handling cargo and performing vehicle maintenance.
Independent and self-motivated, able to manage long periods of solitude.
Interested in traveling and capable of route planning.

Pros:

Independence on the road with a flexible routine.
Opportunity to travel and see different regions.
Good earning potential, especially with experience and specializations.

Cons:

Long hours away from home, potentially impacting work-life balance.
Physical demands of loading/unloading and sitting for extended periods.
Stress related to traffic, delivery schedules, and safety regulations.

How to become a Semi Truck Driver

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Drivers must also obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which involves passing written and practical driving tests. Additional training in specific types of hauling may be required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Automotive mechanics for understanding vehicle maintenance.
Geography for navigation skills.
Mathematics for calculating distances and managing schedules.
Physical education to maintain physical fitness for loading and unloading tasks.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining driving or automotive clubs.
Part-time work in logistics or warehousing.
Volunteering in community services requiring transportation.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.
Attending a truck driving school for formal training.
Gaining experience through entry-level positions in logistics or transportation.
Seeking certifications for specialized types of hauling (e.g., hazardous materials).

More resources

American Trucking Associations (ATA) - Provides industry news, resources, and advocacy.
Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) - Offers information on CDL training and truck driving schools.
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) - A resource for independent drivers and small business owners in trucking, offering support, information, and advocacy.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.