If you’re considering a career as a truck driver, you may be wondering about the potential salary. In Texas, the average salary for a truck driver is $83,265 per year. It’s important to note that this figure can vary based on several factors, such as experience, location, and type of employer. However, truck drivers in Texas generally earn a good wage. Additionally, this profession has other benefits, such as the freedom to travel and see the country.
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CDL Driver Salaries in Texas
According to recent data, CDL Drivers in Texas earn an average salary of $70,249 annually. The salary range for CDL Drivers in Texas runs from $49,000 to $86,000 per year, with the top 10% of earners making more than $86,000 annually. The average hourly wage for a CDL Driver in Texas is $33.72, with the top 10% of earners making more than $41.00 per hour. The job outlook for CDL Drivers in Texas is positive, with the number of jobs expected to grow by 13% over the next ten years.
What About High-Paying Truck Driving Jobs?
While the average salary for a truck driver in Texas is already high, some truck driving jobs pay even more. Ice road trucking is the most lucrative type of truck driving, followed closely by oversized load driving and Hazmat hauling. However, it’s worth noting that these jobs come with significant challenges and risks. Ice road truckers, for example, can earn an entire year’s salary in just a few months due to the dangers of the job. Nonetheless, not everyone can handle the long hours and difficult conditions required for this work.
The Viral Claim of $14,000 a Week for Truck Drivers in Texas
Recently, a viral Facebook post claimed that a Texas company was paying truck drivers $14,000 weekly. The post featured an image of a truck with the company’s logo and a phone number for those seeking more information. However, the phone number goes straight to a voicemail box that is full and cannot accept messages. The claim of a Texas company paying such high wages to truck drivers is false, and there is no evidence to support it. In reality, the average truck driver in the United States earns about $45,000 a year or $869 per week.
Are Truck Drivers in Demand in Texas?
The demand for truck drivers in Texas is high due to the state’s role as a hub for interstate commerce. Goods from all over the country come into Texas and must be transported to their final destinations, requiring many truck drivers. Additionally, the pay for truck drivers in Texas is some of the best in the country, further fueling the demand for these professionals. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, know that Texas offers many opportunities for career growth and job security.
What Is a Livable Salary in Texas?
The cost of living in Texas is relatively low compared to other states. However, it takes work to get by on a minimum wage salary. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator, a single adult must earn $11.03 an hour to earn a living wage in Texas. This is the minimum required to cover food, housing, transportation, and other necessities.
Factors such as the number of people in a household and the cost of housing in a particular area affect the amount needed. Nonetheless, the basic principle remains: getting by in Texas takes more than a minimum wage salary. For many families, the only way to make ends meet is to have multiple workers earn livable wages.
Is Texas Good for Trucking?
Texas has the highest number of truck drivers in the US, followed by California and Florida. This is unsurprising given its size, many cities, and heavy traffic. Texas is also home to many trucking companies. The high number of truck drivers in Texas translates to much job competition. However, it also means plenty of opportunities for truck drivers willing to work hard. Moreover, the relatively low cost of living in Texas makes it an ideal state for truck drivers who want to save money. All in all, Texas is a good state for truck drivers.
Do Trucking Companies Pay for Food?
Per diem pay covers truck drivers’ necessary expenses while on the road, including meals, laundry, and truck repairs. The IRS sets a standard rate for per diem reimbursement, adjusted annually for inflation. In 2020, the rate was $71 per day for any area in the continental United States. Although trucking companies are not required to provide per diem pay, many offer it to attract and retain drivers.
Per diem pay can help offset the cost of food and other expenses for drivers away from home for extended periods. In some cases, trucking companies provide drivers with a daily meal allowance. This allowance typically covers the cost of breakfast and dinner, with lunch being provided at no cost at truck stop restaurants. Drivers who receive a meal allowance may also have the option to receive a stipend instead, which can cover the cost of food or other incidental expenses.
Conclusion
Being a truck driver in Texas has many benefits. The pay is good, the cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of opportunities for hardworking drivers. Texas is an excellent state to consider if you’re considering a career in truck driving.
