Do you like driving on the open road and viewing the sights? Do you enjoy working independently? Are you looking for a high-paying career with great benefits and a bright future? You may have considered a career in truck driving and wondered if truck driving jobs are in demand.
Truck driving is an attractive job with enormous potential for continued growth. No education beyond high school is required, and new hires can quickly earn a good salary.
Let’s take a closer look at the truck driving career path, its demand, projected growth, average salary, and everything a prospective driver needs to know.
Job Cycles of Truck Drivers
Are truck driving jobs in demand today? Yes, truckers are not only needed right now, but the need is expected to grow steadily.
The trucking industry is faced with an ever-increasing workload due to an expected steady rise in road shipping across the country. Additionally, truckers are an aging workforce, with a median age of 46. As more truckers retire, the demand for new drivers will increase.
Driving a truck offers numerous benefits.
High Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for long-haul truck drivers is $48,310, with experienced drivers earning much more. Even beginning truck drivers can earn significant income in a short period and might even qualify for a signing bonus.
Truck driver pay can vary by state. Here’s what drivers in a few states earn each year:
- Colorado – $40,071
- Idaho – $39,438
- Montana – $36,535
- Utah – $34,196
No Higher Education Requirements
Driving a truck requires a high school diploma or GED—no further education necessary. Only seven percent of truck drivers have a bachelor’s degree, and the lack of one won’t affect your earning opportunities.
Career Tip: Consider obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which lets you operate a wide range of commercial vehicles, including buses and heavy-duty moving trucks. A CDL increases your employment prospects and potential salary.
Non-Wage Compensation
Companies like Mesa, employing full-time truckers, understand the need to attract and retain employees. Full-time employee benefits include health insurance, vision, and dental, plus financial benefits, like a matching 401k.
Signing bonuses are another benefit offered by many trucking companies. The demand is so great companies will pay new hires a one-time bonus.
Freedom and Travel Opportunities
Why spend your day behind a desk or engaged in strenuous manual labor? While truck drivers must adhere to strict schedules, you also have a lot of freedom during the average day. You can eat where you want, listen to your own music, and decide how to spend your time in the cab.
You can enjoy some breathtaking scenery, too, within a single state and across the country.
Trucking Tip: Not all truck drivers haul commercial freight. Many other industries hire truck drivers, such as the moving industry. A moving company like Mesa Moving and Storage employs many full-time drivers to transport clients’ belongings within and between states.
The Truck Driver Shortage
How is the trucking business doing overall? Professional truck driving career benefits appeal to many people, so why are there so many open spots?
The truck driver shortage isn’t due to a lack of interested or qualified potential drivers. Instead, it’s mainly caused by dissatisfaction from existing drivers, both new and experienced ones. The average turnover rate at a trucking company is approximately 89 percent.
The high turnover is due to several factors:
- Low Pay – Many companies pay based on mileage, meaning drivers don’t earn money when stuck in traffic jams or when loading and unloading.
- Difficult Working Conditions – Truck driving can involve long hours, lousy food, dangerous weather, and other hazards.
- Excessive Time Away from Family – Many truck drivers, especially those who drive across the country, can spend weeks away from home.
Note that these factors aren’t inherent to all types of truck driving. Instead, they’re mainly the result of policies from the company employing the driver.
Key Takeaway: Your experience as a truck driver is often heavily dependent on the policies set by your employer. Many companies, like Mesa, implement driver-friendly policies like limiting the number of hours driven daily and the time spent away from home.
Job Growth Over Time (Job Outlook)
Truck driving has a healthy job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the occupation will grow by four percent between 2021 and 2031.
The industry will need approximately 1.1 million new drivers in the next decade, about 110,000 drivers each year. Drivers who begin today will likely find themselves in demand for 10 years or more.
Of course, not every truck driver has aspirations of a long-term career. Truck driving is also an excellent short-term occupation. The industry needs people who can start immediately, even without experience.
Important Tip: The job outlook is good across the United States, but salaries vary by state. Fortunately, the states served by Mesa Moving and Storage are all great places to earn lots of money as a truck driver.
Mesa Mover Jobs
How is the trucking business doing? It depends on where you look. Some commercial trucking organizations experience high turnover due to low wages and poor working conditions.
Other companies, like Mesa Moving and Storage, understand the value of competent, qualified truck drivers. Mesa provides high salaries, job security, comfortable working conditions, and growth opportunities.
Will Truck Drivers Be In Demand in the Future?
Yes, trucking jobs will be in high demand for at least the next 10 years and likely much longer. Truck driver job security is also high. After gaining experience, you’ll find many job opportunities from which to choose.
Is Truck Driving a Good Career Choice?
Absolutely! You can get started with minimal qualifications, earn good money right away, and earn even more as you gain experience.
Because demand is high, companies understand they need to provide significant benefits and favorable working conditions to attract employees.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
Truck driver salaries differ based on the state. Here’s the average weekly pay for truck drivers in states where Mesa operates.
- Colorado – $770
- Idaho – $758
- Montana – $702
- Utah – $657
Start moving toward a brighter future in a growing industry. If you’re looking for a career as a truck driver, apply with Mesa Moving and Storage today.
