The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average truck driver salary/pay as $47,680 per year. But it's important to keep in mind that these are only averages for a CDL truck driver salary/pay, which means that the data includes individuals at all stages of their careers and in all types of trucking.
So, when researching "how much does a truck driver make", keep that in mind. And don't forget to take a look at the additional benefits available, such as: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), etc. When combined with your CDL salary/pay, these additional benefits available could make one company stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Now, we can't speak to the truck driver salary/pay at all companies, but we can tell you a little bit about our own, so let's take a look at the pay and opportunities available at Swift.
How Much Can a Truck Driver Make at Swift?
The short answer is: It varies based on the type of freight you haul, your length of haul, and your experience level. And, because we use a sliding pay scale based on experience and length of haul, the more experience you have, and the more dispatched miles you run, the higher your pay may be.
That said, we understand that you probably want to know what those high-paying trucking jobs are at Swift. Just understand that there are many variables that can impact how much you make. Below are some approximate average ranges for different segments of our business. Remember, some individuals will make less than this, especially newer drivers, and some individuals will make more than this, some a lot more than these ranges. Below are some annual average pay statistics¹:
Dry Van OTR
- Top 25% Annual Average: $92,800 ($1,800 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $59,400-$68,300 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)
Refrigerated OTR
- Top 25% Annual Average: $96,600 ($1,900 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $60,800-$68,600 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)
Dry Van Dedicated
- Top 25% Annual Average: $91,700 ($1,800 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $61,300-$68,400 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)
Refrigerated Dedicated
- Top 25% Annual Average: $99,000 ($1,900 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $61,400-$68,000 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)
Flatbed OTR
- Top 25% Annual Average: $98,000 ($1,900 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $60,500-$68,500 ($1,200-$1,300 weekly)
Flatbed Dedicated
- Top 25% Annual Average: $85,000 ($1,600 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $63,200-$71,500 ($1,200-$1,400 weekly)
Intermodal
- Top 25% Annual Average: $93,000 ($1,800 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay: $59,700-$66,500 ($1,100-$1,300 weekly)
Swift Express
- Top 25% Annual Average: $74,000 ($1,400 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay per Driver: $49,800-$55,000 ($1,000-$1,100 weekly)
Teams
- Top 25% Annual Average: $96,000 ($1,800 weekly)
- Annual Average Pay per Driver: $61,200-$71,400 ($1,200-$1,400 weekly)
BENEFITS AT SWIFT
At Swift, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package that you may choose to participate in that includes medical and prescription drug plans, dental and vision plans, 401(k), an employee assistance program, an employee stock purchase program, and a college tuition program. In addition, we offer a wide range of supplemental benefits that you can choose to participate in on an as-needed basis. This way, you can take care of yourself and your family in all the ways that matter most.
For a list of the benefits available, visit our Benefits page, or learn more about the opportunities available at Swift on our Careers page. Of course, if you're new to trucking, you can get the training you need to earn your CDL at Swift Academy or one of our trusted partners.
*For purposes of this webs page the term "Salary" is used as a basis of pay comparison to other trucking jobs. Swift's drivers are not paid a fixed amount each week. Rather, Swift drivers are generally compensated by the trip as is customary in the industry. The trip pay drivers receive is based on a rate per mile and compensates the driver for all work that is performed as part of his or her routine duties as a commercial truck driver. Such work may include weighing loads, filling out paperwork, time spent conducting pre and post-trip vehicle inspections, securing and caring for cargo, equipment maintenance, fueling the equipment, activities required by the federal DOT or other regulatory agencies, the first two hours waiting to load or unload or any other routine duties related to transporting cargo from origin to destination.
¹Pay data was calculated using 2021 average weekly driver pay (annualized) from Swift full-time company drivers who received paychecks within the specified line of business. No amount of weekly or annual pay is guaranteed.
