If you’re thinking about starting a career in truck driving, one of the first questions you probably have is: How much money can I actually make in my first year? It’s a fair question. The good news is, entry-level truck drivers have strong earning potential—even in their very first year behind the wheel.
What Can an Entry-Level Truck Driver Expect to Make?
For most new drivers fresh out of CDL school, the average starting salary typically falls between $45,000 and $65,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2023 median pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $53,090 per year.
However, many companies advertise even higher starting pay for entry-level drivers, especially in high-demand regions. For example, Indeed and Talent.com report that entry-level truck drivers in the U.S. typically earn between $48,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on location, route type, and employer.
Breaking Down the Pay Structure
Most truck drivers are paid by the mile. According to Truckers Report, first-year drivers often start around $0.40 to $0.55 per mile. A full-time over-the-road (OTR) driver can easily drive 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week.
Here’s a basic example:
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2,500 miles per week at $0.50 per mile = $1,250 per week
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Over 52 weeks, that’s about $65,000 per year—before bonuses and benefits
Some companies also offer sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and referral bonuses, which can add thousands to a first-year driver’s total pay.
Regional, Local, or OTR?
Where you drive can impact how much you earn:
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Over-the-road (OTR) drivers: Typically the highest pay, but require weeks away from home.
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Regional drivers: Home weekly, with pay slightly below OTR rates.
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Local drivers: Home daily but may start at lower pay, around $22 to $27 per hour (Indeed).
Some drivers choose slightly lower pay for more predictable schedules and home time.
Additional Benefits That Add Up
On top of base pay, many trucking companies offer:
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Paid time off and holidays
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Retirement plans with company match
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Tuition reimbursement for CDL training
When you factor in benefits, bonuses, and overtime, the total compensation for a first-year driver can climb well above the base salary.
Building Toward Higher Earnings
The best part? Trucking is a career where pay increases quickly. After one year, drivers can move into specialized roles—like hazmat, flatbed, tanker, or oversized loads—with significantly more earning potential.
Your first year is just the start. With a clean driving record and dedication, truck driving can become one of the most reliable, high-paying careers in America.
At CDS Tractor Trailer Training, we’ve been training entry-level truck drivers for over 25 years, and have built a strong reputation for preparing our graduates for financially rewarding careers on the road.
