Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
SOC Code: 53-3032Also known as:
Armored Truck Driver, Automotive Carrier Driver (Auto Carrier Driver), Automotive Crane Driver (Auto Crane Driver), Automotive Haulaway Driver (Auto Haulaway Driver), Automotive Hauler (Auto Hauler)
Median Annual Salary
$57,440
+4.0% growth (2024-2034)
238K
Openings/Year
2.2M
Current Jobs
What Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$57,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.0%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
238K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,235,100
Projected Employment (2034)
2,324,400
Related Careers
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$44,140 •
+7.3% growth
Industrial truck and tractor operators
$46,390 •
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Tank car, truck, and ship loaders
$58,070 •
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Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
- Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers:
Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
21,399 degrees awarded •
228 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers make?
The median annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $57,440.
What education do heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers need?
Most heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor.
Is becoming heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers a good career choice?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to see +4.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 237,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Top colleges for aspiring heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers include
Uintah Basin Technical College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson, U.S. Truck Driver Training School, Central Technology Center, Ohio Business College-Dayton-Driving Academy.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers may also be known as: Armored Truck Driver, Automotive Carrier Driver (Auto Carrier Driver), Automotive Crane Driver (Auto Crane Driver), Automotive Haulaway Driver (Auto Haulaway Driver), Automotive Hauler (Auto Hauler), Automotive Transport Driver (Auto Transport Driver), Basket Operator, Batch Mixing Truck Driver, Bull Driver, Car Ferrier, Car Pickup Driver, Car Pilot, Carrier Driver, CDL Driver (Commercial Driver's License Driver), CDL Truck Driver (Commercial Driver's License Truck Driver), CDL-A Flatbed Truck Driver (Commercial Driver's License Class A Flatbed Truck Driver), CDL-A Truck Driver (Commercial Driver's License Class A Truck Driver), CDL-B Truck Driver (Commercial Driver's License Class B Truck Driver), Cement Mixer Driver, Cement Truck Driver.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.