Transportation & Logistics
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Also called: CDL Driver (Commercial Driver's License Driver), Driver, Line Haul Driver, Log Truck Driver
US median pay
$58,640
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.8%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
214,500
2,221,200 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
What they do day to day
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
- Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
- Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.8/5
- Operation and Control3.8/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Repairing2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.8/5
Knowledge
- Transportation4.0/5
- Public Safety and Security3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Law and Government3.0/5
- Mechanical2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma54%
- Less than high school26%
- Post-secondary certificate19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.