Driver/Sales Workers
Driver/sales workers operate trucks or other vehicles along set routes, delivering goods like food products, beverages, or commercial laundry to customers. They may take orders, collect payments, stock shelves, and handle customer interactions at delivery locations. Most work for food distribution companies, restaurants, or commercial service businesses.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against driver/sales workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves planning a delivery route, loading the vehicle with products, and driving to multiple customer stops. At each location, the driver unloads merchandise, may stock items on shelves, takes new orders, collects payment, and records transactions. The work requires managing time efficiently to complete all stops, maintaining vehicle condition, and building relationships with regular customers throughout the week.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're organized, reliable, and comfortable working independently on set schedules. You prefer practical, hands-on tasks and clear expectations rather than ambiguous assignments—traits common among people drawn to realistic and conventional work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $42,990 | $48,420 | $54,080 | 1,270 |
| Iowa | $28,420 | $47,120 | $59,010 | 4,400 |
| Massachusetts | $37,430 | $46,870 | $59,160 | 3,830 |
| Vermont | $39,610 | $46,300 | $56,920 | 510 |
| California | $38,180 | $45,600 | $54,040 | 34,480 |
| South Dakota | $33,810 | $45,050 | $57,210 | 1,050 |
| New Jersey | $35,630 | $44,720 | $54,870 | 9,720 |
| Colorado | $35,910 | $43,420 | $49,040 | 10,790 |
| Kansas | $34,760 | $43,180 | $48,080 | 1,950 |
| New York | $33,890 | $42,730 | $51,210 | 18,990 |
| Tennessee | $35,730 | $42,220 | $45,090 | 9,620 |
| District of Columbia | $36,400 | $41,600 | $57,650 | 1,020 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Route Driver Certification — National Automatic Merchandising Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against driver/sales workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.