Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
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.
Also called: Armored Truck Driver, Automotive Carrier Driver (Auto Carrier Driver), Automotive Crane Driver (Auto Crane Driver), Automotive Haulaway Driver (Auto Haulaway Driver), Automotive Hauler (Auto Hauler), Automotive Transport Driver (Auto Transport Driver)
Median pay
$58,640
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,140 – $79,380
People employed
2,062,040
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in every state →
What heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers do
- 01Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
- 02Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
- 03Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- 04Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- 05Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- 06Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers88% · +3%
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders86% · 0%
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors85% · −15%
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining83% · +27%
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators82% · +2%
Change into heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors91% · $49,690
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers88% · $60,600
- Motorboat Operators86% · $47,520
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators82% · $46,420
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners81% · $49,880
Majors that lead here
- Truck and Bus Driver/Commercial Vehicle Operator and Instructor
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.