{"id":35394,"date":"2024-04-09T00:23:20","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T05:23:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdldrivingacademy.com\/?p=35394"},"modified":"2025-08-01T08:36:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T13:36:14","slug":"truck-driver-pay-is-increasing-at-a-record-pace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cdldrivingacademy.com\/blog\/truck-driver-pay-is-increasing-at-a-record-pace\/","title":{"rendered":"Truck Driver Pay Is Increasing at a Record Pace"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Truck Driver Pay Is Increasing at a Record Pace<\/h1>

Professional truck drivers are needed across the United States. The shortage of qualified drivers is causing companies to pay a premium for drivers willing to take their routes. Driving Academy, based in Linden, New Jersey, and serving students nationwide, offers CDL driver training<\/a>\u00a0and CDL road testing<\/a>\u00a0to help drivers earn their CDL and pursue career goals. Here, we talk about how much truck drivers make.<\/p>

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make on Average?<\/h2>

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver pay<\/a>\u00a0in the United States is just short of $75,000 per year. That is for tractor-trailers and heavy truck haulers. For delivery drivers<\/a>\u00a0(those who have a Class B CDL<\/a>), the average pay is just under $40,000 per year.<\/p>

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) says that driver wages increased<\/a>\u00a0by over 15% in 2022. The ATRI also stated that the increase was the fastest annual growth ever observed in the trucking industry.<\/p>

Need For Truckers Increasing<\/h2>

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the need for heavy-duty truck drivers and tractor-trailer drivers<\/a>\u00a0will increase by 4% over the next few years. The need for delivery drivers<\/a>\u00a0is expected to increase by 10% over the same time.<\/p>

Companies all over the United States are looking for qualified drivers to take their routes. Because of the lack of professional drivers, some trucking companies are offering retention bonuses<\/a>\u00a0of 20% or more to keep drivers in their trucks.<\/p>

Add An Endorsement to Your CDL<\/h2>

For drivers looking to advance in their professional trucking careers, adding an endorsement to a CDL<\/a> can make them more desirable in the job market and can lead to higher pay. An endorsement is a certification for a CDL that proves a driver has specific skills. There are six different types of endorsements available for CDL drivers.<\/p>

H Endorsement for Hazardous Materials<\/h3>

An H endorsement is needed for drivers who haul hazardous materials. An H designation is only needed for volumes or substances that require placards under Department of Transportation rules. To earn an H endorsement requires taking a knowledge test.<\/p>

N Endorsement for Tanker Vehicles<\/h3>

The N endorsement is for drivers who operate commercial vehicles with tanks that hold liquid or gas. In most states, the endorsement is needed if the total volume of the tank is more than 1,000 gallons or if a tank can hold over 119 gallons. The N endorsement requires taking a knowledge test.<\/p>

P Endorsement for Passengers<\/h3>

If a driver wants to carry more than 16 passengers, a P endorsement is needed. This type of endorsement is needed for drivers who want to drive commercial or school buses, as well as shuttles. A skills test and knowledge test are needed for the P endorsement.<\/p>

S Endorsement for School Bus Transport<\/h3>

For those looking to be school bus drivers, an S endorsement is needed. The S endorsement allows drivers to use a commercial vehicle to take students between home and school. It also enables drivers to take students to any school-sanctioned events, like field trips and sporting events. To obtain the S endorsement, drivers need to take a skills test and knowledge test. Many employers will also require a background check and a clean driving record.<\/p>

T Endorsement for Double and Triple Trailers<\/h3>

The T endorsement usually refers to doubles and triples. In other words, pulling two or three trailers. Drivers must be aware of state laws, as some states do not allow triple-trailer pulls. To earn the T endorsement, drivers need to take a knowledge test.<\/p>

X Endorsement for Combined Tank\/Hazardous Materials<\/h3>

The X endorsement is a combination of the H and N endorsements. It allows drivers to carry hazardous liquids or gases in a tanker truck. In some states, the X endorsement may also allow a driver to carry nonhazardous materials in a tank they are hauling. A knowledge test is required to earn an X endorsement.<\/p>

Choose Driving Academy to Complete Training<\/h2>

If you are looking for a career with advancement and pay increases, becoming a professional truck driver may be the career for you. Driving Academy offers training for Class A CDLs<\/a>, Class B CDLs<\/a>, and Class B+P CDLs<\/a>.<\/p>

Driving Academy is conveniently located in Linden, New Jersey, and our program stands out from the others because we offer guaranteed training courses. That means we\u2019ll work with students on their skills until they can pass the CDL road test<\/a>. We also differ from other driving schools because:<\/p>