Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers operate trucks weighing at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight, transporting cargo across routes. They work for trucking companies, logistics firms, and other businesses requiring freight transport. The role includes operating the vehicle and may involve unloading cargo, and requires a commercial driver's license.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Drivers spend most hours operating a tractor-trailer combination on highways and local roads. A typical week involves planning routes, performing vehicle inspections, managing logs and delivery documentation, and sometimes unloading freight at destinations. Work schedules vary, including long days on the road and time away from home. Breaks are required by federal regulation throughout the driving day.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. 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 toward practical, hands-on work with clear procedures and measurable outcomes—qualities that suit truck driving. You prefer working independently on the road and following established rules and regulations, making this work align with realistic and conventional interests.
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 | $60,500 | $70,100 | $78,060 | 3,420 |
| Washington | $59,450 | $64,760 | $75,530 | 40,530 |
| District of Columbia | $58,850 | $64,170 | $74,440 | 830 |
| New Jersey | $57,400 | $63,570 | $76,450 | 47,980 |
| Massachusetts | $56,320 | $63,030 | $72,150 | 30,890 |
| Nevada | $52,420 | $62,290 | $75,890 | 15,010 |
| New York | $55,550 | $62,050 | $74,040 | 63,700 |
| Minnesota | $50,730 | $61,990 | $73,700 | 38,770 |
| Oregon | $54,870 | $61,980 | $72,870 | 23,970 |
| Colorado | $53,490 | $61,500 | $70,220 | 25,350 |
| North Dakota | $52,310 | $60,910 | $67,110 | 11,870 |
| Vermont | $52,120 | $60,830 | $64,900 | 3,560 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Heavy Equipment Operator: Off-Road Dump Truck — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) (CDL) — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T) (T) — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
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
and 37 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-3032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.