How much do truck drivers make in 2026?

Are you curious about the average income that truck drivers make? Well, a career in trucking will prove to be worthwhile if you're looking for a new career path or financial stability. Not many other jobs will allow you to reach financial stability in your life as quickly as truck driver earnings can. Also, a career in trucking is more accessible to all people because it requires CDL training from a truck driving school, instead of a college diploma. Trucking companies will even pay you training pay and offer sign-on bonuses as a way to encourage new drivers to join the industry.

Truck Driver Salary: Factors That Affect It

National average truck driver salary

So, how much does a truck driver make? Six years ago, according to the BLS 2018 report (Bureau of Labor Statistics May), truck driver earnings were $43,000 a year or $825 per week. In 2019, that number rose to an average salary of $57,000. Now, in 2026, reported figures vary, with some sources like Indeed claiming an average as high as $104,156. This means a truck driver could make around $1,906 per week, showing a 142% increase in earnings from 2018 to 2026. While Indeed’s figure is based on a large amount of data from over 450,000 reported salaries, the average salary for truck drivers is likely closer to $75,000 to $85,000, which other sources suggest. This difference shows that a truck driver’s salary can vary a lot depending on several factors, which we’ll cover in this article.

Factors that impact truck driver pay

An average truck driver's salary in the trucking industry can range a lot - as much as 35%! You've seen from the example above how much difference in pay can be between that of the highest-compensated and the least-paid truck driver. Many factors go into deciding how much a truck driver can make and bring home to the family.

Factors inside the driver's control

Some factors are in the driver's control such as education, experience, and job types such as regional drivers, team drivers, dedicated drivers, and high-risk professions such as ice road trucking. Learning about which job types pay better and working towards these will increase a truck driver's pay. For example, team drivers are two drivers in the same truck working together by taking turns behind the wheel instead of a dedicated driver that is assigned a specific route and truck. 

Location

Your location can have a big impact on your salary as a driver. New York, Alaska, and Mississippi are all known for offering higher salaries to truckers than other nearby states. But it's important to keep in mind that the cost of living in those locations can also be higher. The best locations offer both higher salaries and a low cost of living.

Experience

Just like any other job, experience plays a major factor in determining salary. As truckers gain more years on the road, they develop greater expertise in navigating routes, managing cargo, and handling unexpected challenges. This not only makes them more valuable to employers but also allows them to command higher salaries. 

Certification

A truck driver with specialized licenses and certifications earns more than those who only have a standard commercial license. A truck driver can earn different licenses and certifications which allow the truck driver to earn more, like hazmat and tanker certification or oversized loads. Truckers with these licenses and certifications can command significantly higher truck driver salaries. For example, reefer truck drivers haul shipments that must remain at a specific internal temperature. They are paid more because of their specialized knowledge and when the shipment requires extra attention. 

Distance

Distance traveled is a key factor in determining how much truckers can make. Long-haul loads usually pay more than short-haul loads. This is because long-haul loads are considered generally less desirable due to requiring more sacrifice and time away from home compared to short hauls. 

Factors outside the driver's control

Other factors are not as controllable by the driver such as location, starting pay, the amount of work available, and adverse weather conditions which would affect a driver's ability to work depending upon the type of work. To make as much money as possible as a truck driver, the goal is to minimize the factors that are outside of your control and work towards improving the factors that are inside of your control, such as miles driven, acquiring certifications, and passing your inspections.

Different ways that truck drivers can be paid

Truck driver salaries are usually paid by the mile, per hour, per day, or per trip. Truck drivers that get paid per mile can choose to make more by driving more. Usually, work that is done locally will pay by the hour. Companies will give their drivers a minimum pay for the day so that there is always consistency in their earnings. Drivers that are compensated per trip will usually have a set percentage of the trip’s revenue that is agreed upon with the company they are driving for.

Truckers that perform specialized work such as flatbeds, tankers, and hazmat will be some of the highest-paid truck drivers because of the need to haul either dangerous material which requires a hazmat endorsement or commodities that require extra attention. At MigWay, we stick to simple dry van shipments to reduce errors during transit and to allow for easier entry for new truck drivers to start working with us. Dry van loads allow for easy on-and-off loading and unloading, minimal time spent at shippers and receivers, and allows truck drivers to keep their attention on what's in front of them - the road and the drive to get to the final delivery.

How the Trailer You Pull Impacts Truck Driver Salary

Not all freight pays the same. What’s behind your truck matters — a lot.

• Dry van: Most common and beginner-friendly. Lower CPM, but steady work and faster load/unload times.
• Flatbed: Pays more due to physical labor (strapping, tarping) and hauling specialized cargo. It takes skill — and it rewards you for it.
• Reefer (refrigerated): Higher CPM because of temp-sensitive freight and monitoring requirements.
• Tanker: High risk, especially with chemicals or fuel. Usually requires hazmat. Higher pay but more pressure.
• Oversized loads: High stress, strict permits, serious planning. Good money if you're built for it.

At MigWay, we run dry vans and flatbeds. Dry vans keep the job smooth, and flatbeds offer higher pay for experienced drivers ready to take on more challenge and responsibility.

In What States Do Truck Drivers Make the Most Money?

Finding the best state for CDL truck drivers depends on a few things like pay, infrastructure, and state rules. North Dakota leads with an average truck driver salary of $78,797, followed by Illinois at $73,205 and Wyoming at $70,617. These states offer solid pay, making them attractive for truckers looking to earn more. Texas is also a great choice, with over 300,000 miles of highways, plenty of truck stops, and a strong trucking culture, which impacts how much truck drivers get paid in the state. States like Tennessee, Illinois, and Ohio offer a good mix of affordable living and decent pay, making them top picks for drivers who want a balance between work and home life. Illinois, especially around Chicago, has a strong transportation network, earning it the nickname "The Capital of Trucking." As the trucking industry changes with driver shortages and rising pay, the top states for truckers might change too, but North Dakota, Illinois, and Wyoming are still top choices because of their high pay, good infrastructure, and truck-friendly laws.

In What States Do Truck Drivers Make the Worst Money?

Some states just don't pay truck drivers as well, have fewer job opportunities, or have higher living costs. Hawaii and Alaska have the lowest semi truck driver salary at $44,475 and $47,735, mostly due to their remote locations, which makes trucking jobs harder to come by. Florida and Idaho also have lower pay, with an average CDL driver salary of $56,563 and $47,833. However, it's important to remember that these numbers don't tell the whole story. For example, truck drivers in Washington state earn about $61,194 on average, but the high cost of living and taxes make that money go less far than in a state like Mississippi, where living costs are lower. Skilled drivers can still earn 25% to 30% more than these averages, so even in the "worst" states, there are still good opportunities for experienced truckers. These rankings are more about giving truckers a guide to help make smart decisions based on pay, cost of living, and job availability in different areas. If you're thinking about moving for better pay, it's important to weigh all these factors.

How much does a truck driver make at Migway?

• How much money can you make with a CDL at MigWay in 2026?

MigWay works with OTR drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL), at least 2 years of experience, and a clean driving record. We start drivers off at .55 cents per mile (CPM) and give drivers an opportunity to consistently earn .65 cents per mile that they drive through a performance bonus. At .65 CPM, MigWay's company drivers are top performers which can be found in the highest-paid tier in the example we mentioned above. Though MigWay is based in North Carolina, our drivers live all over the states.

• How much do truck drivers make a week at Migway?

A truck driver who plans to run 3,000 miles per week at .60 cents per mile will make around $94K, before bonuses and other incentives. To put this into perspective, driver-trainers on average are estimated to make around $80K, and working for Walmart as a delivery driver will earn you about the same as a driver-trainer would.

Our mission statement is to build a great company and to enrich the lives of our employees. Not just office and shop staff - but drivers! We pay drivers ultra-competitive rates towards their average OTR salary to show how much we care about our drivers and understand their sacrifices and commitment. So if you enjoy truck driving and the nature of the trucking lifestyle, reach out to recruiting to learn how working with MigWay can help you get what you want out of life. See for yourself how our company drivers earn the annual salary of owner-operators, or independent contractors, who have their own equipment without all the headaches and hassles of repairs and bookkeeping.

How much is the salary of a truck driver at MigWay?

Driver Type	CPM	Performance Bonus	Avg Weekly Miles	Weekly Pay	Annual Pay
OTR Driver	$0.55+	$0.10	2,500	$1,625	~$84,500
Flatbed OTR Driver	$0.60+	$0.10	3,000	$2,100	~$109,200
Top Performer	$0.60+	$0.10	3,000+	$2,500+	$130K+

Three Ways to Boost Your Truck Driver Salary Right Now

• Keep your logs clean and equipment tight — earn inspection bonuses.
• Run consistent miles. 3,000 a week = six figures.
• Stick with a company that respects your time.

2026 Pay Snapshot: Key Questions Drivers Ask

If you are comparing the average truck driver salary US 2026, remember that miles, endorsements, and route type drive outcomes. Many readers ask, do truck drivers make good money? With steady miles and the right fleet, earnings can be strong and predictable. Your actual results will vary by carrier policies, home time needs, and freight mix.

Another common question is, how much do CDL drivers make? Entry level CDL pay starts lower, then scales with experience, safety record, and lane consistency. For long haul professionals, over the road trucking pay rewards drivers who manage hours efficiently and keep equipment inspection ready. Some readers prefer to view pay monthly, which is why searches like USA truck driver salary per month remain popular. Converting weekly or CPM numbers into a monthly view helps drivers budget and plan.

Quick Answers for 2026

• Average truck driver salary US 2026: Market data indicates wide ranges based on lane, equipment, and experience. Check weekly and CPM figures, then convert to your preferred monthly view.
• Do truck drivers make good money: Yes, especially with consistent miles, clean inspections, and performance bonuses. Results depend on carrier, freight, and personal goals.
• How much do CDL drivers make: CDL pay grows with time in seat, endorsements, and route type. Specialized skills often raise earnings.
• Over the road trucking pay: OTR typically offers higher potential due to longer runs and steady freight, balanced against time away from home.
• USA truck driver salary per month: Translate CPM and weekly pay to monthly totals to evaluate budget, savings targets, and lifestyle needs.

Here at MigWay

The beauty of the truck driver position is that a truck driver's career path is not restricted to making money on the road indefinitely. Having a love for trucks or enjoying the nature of the work can help truck drivers earn more money by becoming driver-trainers and educating new drivers later on in their careers. A truck driver can choose to become an owner-operator or independent contractor, choosing which routes, loads, and hours you drive can set you on the path of buying your own truck, doing business for yourself instead of a single company, and being one of the highest-paid truck drivers - an owner-operator! There are many mega-carriers in trucking that started their operations with one truck, just like MigWay out of North Carolina!

If you asked us, we would tell you that we believe that driving a truck as a career path for your future is an incredibly wise decision. With pay depending on your performance, different directions for growth, rising demand for good drivers, and little barrier for entry, the trucking industry can be a home to many people who are unaware of all that it is able to provide them and their families.

How MigWay Pays Its Drivers in 2026

MigWay is an asset-based carrier with 300 trucks and 500 trailers running dry van and flatbed across the East Coast, Northeast, and Midwest. Here's the pay structure, no fine print:

Both dry van and flatbed bonuses apply to all miles - empty and loaded. What you drive is what you earn. No half-rate empties.

To drive with MigWay you need a valid CDL A, at least two years of recent OTR experience, and a clean driving record. Those are the requirements - no hoops beyond that.

The Fleet

MigWay runs 2023-2027 Freightliners, Volvos, and Macks. Everything is governed at 70 mph. Drivers can also earn an additional +2¢ CPM idle bonus for fuel efficiency - keeping idle time down and tires inflated adds up over the week.

Every truck runs with live ELD and GPS tracking. Dispatch is 24/7, in-house, zero outsourcing. You get one accountable contact who knows your load and your status - not a call center routing you to whoever is available.

If you have the experience and want consistent miles on a modern fleet, call recruiting at +1-980-255-3200 or apply at migway.com/careers.

Pay Incentives and Bonuses That Add to Your Weekly Check

Base CPM is the floor, not the ceiling. These additions move real money into your paycheck each week.

Performance Bonus - +10¢ CPM

MigWay's performance bonus adds 10¢ per mile to every mile you drive once you hit the weekly target - empty and loaded. At 3,000 miles, that's $300 extra on top of base pay. At 3,500 miles, $350. It compounds across the year.

Idle Bonus - +2¢ CPM (Automatic Fleet)

Automatic fleet drivers earn an additional 2¢ CPM fuel efficiency bonus. The habits that earn it - less idling, steady acceleration, proper tire inflation - are habits most experienced drivers already have.

Inspection Bonus - Up to $300 Per Instance

MigWay pays up to $300 for passing DOT inspections. You have no reason to be anxious about an inspection if your equipment is tight and your logs are clean. This bonus rewards exactly that.

Referral Bonus

Bring a qualified driver to MigWay and earn a referral bonus when they come on board. With a persistent driver shortage in the industry, carriers value referrals from people who already know what the job requires.

Detention Pay

Waiting at a shipper or receiver costs you drive time and miles. MigWay pays detention, so time on the dock isn't unpaid time. You drove there; you get compensated for the wait.

Layover Pay

Breakdowns and load delays happen. When something outside your control keeps you parked, layover pay covers that day so your weekly check doesn't take the hit.

Three Ways to Boost Your Truck Driver Pay Right Now

• Keep your logs and equipment tight. Clean DOT inspections pay up to $300 per instance at MigWay. Drivers who already run organized rigs and current logs earn this without changing a single habit.
• Run consistent weekly miles. At 3,000 miles per week and 65¢ CPM (base plus performance bonus), you're looking at roughly $109,000 per year. That's not a ceiling - it's arithmetic. The mileage target is realistic for a driver managing their hours well.
• Verify empty-mile pay before accepting any offer. Not every carrier pays all miles. A carrier offering 68¢ CPM but paying 30¢ on empties may actually pay less per week than a carrier at 65¢ full rate on all miles. Run the math on your actual total miles, not just the headline CPM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average truck driver salary in the US in 2026?

Most full-time company drivers earn between $70,000 and $95,000 per year in 2026. The median is closer to $75,000 to $80,000 for OTR dry van, with experienced flatbed and specialized drivers pushing past $100,000. The range is wide because miles driven per week, route type, endorsements, and carrier pay structure all pull the number in different directions.

How much do truck drivers make per mile in 2026?

The typical range for company OTR drivers is $0.50 to $0.65 per mile. Flatbed and specialty drivers often earn $0.60 to $0.80 CPM or more. At MigWay, dry van drivers start at 55¢ per mile with a +10¢ performance bonus on all miles, and flatbed drivers start at 60¢ with the same +10¢ bonus structure.

How much does a truck driver make per week?

Industry averages run $1,300 to $1,800 per week for company OTR drivers. Drivers at MigWay average around $2,100 per week on dry van and $2,200 per week on flatbed, plus tarp pay, at typical mileage with the performance bonus included. Both figures include pay on empty miles.

What is the average truck driver salary per month in 2026?

For most OTR company drivers, monthly pay lands between $5,600 and $7,800. At MigWay, dry van OTR drivers average around $9,100 per month and flatbed drivers average $9,500 or more, based on consistent weekly miles with the performance bonus. Converting your weekly average by 4.33 gives you a reliable monthly estimate.

Do truck drivers make good money?

Yes, especially with consistent miles, a clean record, and a carrier that pays all miles. OTR trucking with a real performance bonus structure can produce six-figure annual income without a college degree. The biggest variable is whether your carrier pays empty miles at full rate - that one factor separates average earnings from strong ones.

How much do new or beginning truck drivers make?

Entry-level CDL drivers with limited experience typically start between $40,000 and $55,000 per year, or roughly $20 to $25 per hour in local and regional positions. OTR pay for first-year drivers tends to be lower CPM until seat time builds. With two years of clean OTR experience, rates and options rise substantially.

What states pay truck drivers the most?

North Dakota, Illinois, Wyoming, and Texas consistently rank among the highest-paying states. North Dakota averages around $78,800, driven partly by oil field freight demand. Illinois benefits from Chicago's freight volume. Always compare the pay number against local cost of living before relocating - a high salary in a high-cost state may not stretch further than a lower salary in a low-cost one.

How much does a flatbed driver make compared to dry van?

Flatbed drivers typically earn 5¢ to 15¢ more per mile than dry van, plus tarp pay on loads that require covered freight. The physical work - securing, strapping, and tarping - is why the rate is higher. At MigWay, flatbed starts at 60¢ base CPM versus 55¢ for dry van, with the same +10¢ performance bonus structure for both. Flatbed also includes tarp pay on top of CPM.

What is over-the-road trucking pay in 2026?

OTR drivers typically earn more than regional or local drivers because longer runs produce more weekly miles. A full-time OTR driver running 2,500 to 3,500 miles per week at $0.55 to $0.65 CPM can realistically take home $80,000 to $110,000 per year before bonuses. The tradeoff is time away from home - OTR generally means more nights on the road.

How does the MigWay performance bonus work?

MigWay's +10¢ performance bonus applies to all miles - empty and loaded - once you hit the weekly mileage target. At 3,000 miles in a week that adds $300 to your paycheck. At 3,500 miles it adds $350. The bonus is on top of your base CPM, not a replacement for part of it. Hitting the target consistently is what takes dry van earnings to the $2,100 average weekly figure.

How much can an owner-operator truck driver make?

Owner-operators can generate gross revenues of $300,000 to $350,000 per year, but operating costs - fuel, insurance, maintenance, truck payments, and permits - typically consume 60% to 70% of that. Net income for most owner-operators lands between $80,000 and $120,000. Company drivers at strong carriers can reach similar net numbers without the capital risk or the accounting workload.

What does MigWay require to hire a driver?

MigWay requires a valid CDL A license, at least two years of recent OTR experience, and a clean driving record. If you meet those three requirements, you can apply at migway.com/careers or reach recruiting directly at +1-980-255-3200. MigWay is based in Pineville, NC, but drivers home base across the country.