2020 has been a tough year for the trucking industry. Freight rates started off low and many carriers were struggling to survive, and then Covid struck. If you weren’t hauling essential supplies, you were likely getting fewer miles.
Despite these challenges, some are thriving and there’s still a lot of money to be made in trucking. Here are the top-paying trucking jobs.
1. Ice Road Trucking
The driving seasons are short — 3 to 4 months — but drivers can make a lot of money during the Ice Road Trucking season
2. Heavy Haul/Oversize
According to ZipRecruiter, “as of Jun 5, 2020, the average annual pay for an Oversize Load Driver in the United States is $55,289 a year.
However, according to WideLoadShipping.com, “oversized load truckers earn between $53,125 and $90,000 on average.”
In order to be an oversize driver, you will need experience. Some companies require as much as 10 years of experience. You should also consider getting hazmat and tanker endorsements, as this will increase your odd of getting hired.
3. Hazmat
According to Slary.com, “A Hazmat Tanker Driver salary in the United States is $62,097 as of April 27, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $54,832 and $71,202;” however, some companies are advertising higher pay. Some companies are advertising $90,000 salaries.
In order to become a hazmat driver, you must have hazmat or X endorsement.
The job is dangerous, as you are transporting potentially deadly materials, but the pay is high and hazmat drivers are in high demand.
4. Tanker
Thanker drivers haul liquids — anything from fuel to milk. Tanker pay is high because hauling liquids can be dangerous.
“The average Hazmat Tanker Driver salary in the United States is $62,207 as of May 28, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $54,931 and $71,332. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.” according to Salary.com.
5. House Hold Goods Movers
House hold goods movers can make a lot of money and are in high demand. Many choose not to do the job because it’s very physically exhausting as all it is 100% touch freight. Many house hold goods movers
According to the American Movers Society of America, “many owner-operators average about $80,000 to $100,000 a year in net income. Some drivers gross as much as $500,000, but employing helpers drives up expenses.” Company drivers can expect to earn as much as $80,000 per year.
6. Team Driving
If you can handle living in a truck with someone else, team driving can be a very lucrative career.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average team driver earns $80,000 per year; however, some have reported pay of $110,000 or more per year.
If you add hazmat, doubles or triples endorsement, your pay can go even higher.
Source: www.cdllife.com