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If you love cruising the open road, then working in the trucking industry can be an enjoyable and lucrative career. It’s also in high demand: the industry is currently in need of an extra 900,000 drivers, NPR reports. When it comes to trucking, wages can vary greatly depending on the type of job. Highly-paid positions require specialized
| # | Job | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ice Road Trucker | Drive heavy trucks on icy, dangerous roads in extreme weather conditions. |
| 2 | Oversized Load Hauler | Transport oversized loads, requiring special permits and route planning. |
| 3 | Hazmat Diver | Carry hazardous materials, requiring additional certifications. |
| 4 | Tanker Driver | Transport liquid loads, which can include hazardous materials. |
| 5 | OTR Driver | Drive long routes across the country, often spending weeks on the road. |
1. Ice Road Trucking
Daring and lucrative, Ice Road Trucking offers unmatched job opportunities for those seeking adventure and a hefty paycheck. As an Ice Road Trucker, your primary responsibility is navigating massive vehicles through perilous, icy terrains under severe weather conditions. These challenges, however, come with a rewarding compensation package, making it one of the top-paying trucking jobs. For success in this field, drivers need excellent
- Salary: The average
salary for an ice road trucker in 2023 is $45,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $25,000 to $85,000, depending on experience,skills , and location. - Hours: Ice road truckers typically work long hours, 12-14 hours per day, 7 days a week. They may also be required to work overtime or on weekends.
- Season: Ice road trucking is a seasonal job, typically running from late November to early March.
- Location: Ice road trucking is primarily done in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States.
2. Oversized Load Hauler
Embarking on a career as an Oversized Load Hauler can lead to lucrative opportunities in the trucking industry. This role involves transporting large, heavy, or wide loads that exceed standard legal size limits, requiring special permits and careful route planning. The complexity and responsibility attached to these operations often result in higher-than-average salaries, making it a highly attractive option for job seekers. Moreover, working as an Oversized Load Hauler can provide a unique sense of accomplishment and challenge, as each load presents its own unique set of challenges and requirements. However, it’s crucial to note that this profession demands an impeccable driving record, advanced
- Salary: The average
salary for an oversized load hauler is $55,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $35,000 to $100,000, depending on experience,skills , and location. - Hours: Oversized load haulers typically work long hours, 10-12 hours per day, 5 days a week. They may also be required to work overtime or on weekends.
- Location: Oversized load hauling is done all over the United States. However, there are some areas where it is more common, such as the Midwest and the South.
- Requirements: Oversized load haulers must have a clean driving record, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and specialized
training . They must also be able to follow complex route plans and navigate through tight spaces.
3. Hazmat Driver
Taking on the role of a Hazmat Driver opens up a rewarding
- Salary: The average
salary for a hazmat driver is $70,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $50,000 to $90,000, depending on experience,skills , and location. - Hours: Hazmat drivers typically work long hours, 10-12 hours per day, 5 days a week. They may also be required to work overtime or on weekends.
- Location: Hazmat drivers are needed all over the United States. However, there are some areas where it is more common, such as major cities and near industrial areas.
- Requirements: Hazmat drivers must have a clean driving record, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and a hazardous materials endorsement. They must also be able to follow complex route plans and navigate through tight spaces.
4. Tanker/Liquid Hauling
Transporting gas, chemicals, and other hazardous materials is a high-risk occupation demanding exceptional skill. Drivers are not only responsible for hauling hazardous cargo, such as gasoline or explosive liquids but they may also be exposed to fumes during the offloading of these materials. Consequently, this job typically offers compensation above the average trucking wage. The exact earnings, however, hinge on factors like the nature of the hazardous material transported and the policies of the employing trucking company.
- Salary: The average
salary for a hazmat driver is $75,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $60,000 to $95,000, depending on experience,skills , and location. - Hours: Hazmat drivers typically work long hours, 10-12 hours per day, 5 days a week. They may also be required to work overtime or on weekends.
- Location: Hazmat drivers are needed all over the United States. However, there are some areas where it is more common, such as major cities and near industrial areas.
- Requirements: Hazmat drivers must have a clean driving record, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and a hazardous materials endorsement. They must also be able to follow complex route plans and navigate through tight spaces.
5. OTR Driver
Stepping into the shoes of an Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver could unlock a prosperous
- Salary: The average
salary for an OTR driver is $77,916 per year. However, salaries can range from $62,500 to $100,000, depending on experience,skills , and location. - Hours: OTR drivers typically work long hours, 10-14 hours per day, 7 days a week. They may also be required to work overtime or on weekends.
- Location: OTR drivers are needed all over the United States. However, there are some areas where it is more common, such as the Midwest and the South.
- Requirements: OTR drivers must have a clean driving record, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and specialized
training . They must also be able to follow complex route plans and navigate through tight spaces.
Conclusion
To be eligible for any of these lucrative trucking roles, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a minimum of three to five years of experience are prerequisites. You can find numerous websites offering free CDL practice tests to help you prepare and deepen your understanding of the industry. Most employers also provide previous classroom and on-road
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Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
