Introduction
Texas is one of the largest and most important hubs for the trucking industry in the United States. With major interstates, a booming economy, and proximity to Mexico, it’s no surprise that many drivers are searching for the best paying truck driving jobs in Texas. In 2025, high demand, expanded freight routes, and driver shortages have made Texas a goldmine for experienced and motivated truckers.
Why Truck Driving Pays Well in Texas
Texas has:
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High freight volume (oil, gas, agriculture, retail, and industrial goods)
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Ports and cross-border traffic with Mexico
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Major highways (I-10, I-35, I-45)
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A strong network of national and regional carriers
Because of these factors, many companies offer competitive pay and benefits to attract drivers who can meet growing demand.
Top 5 Best Paying Truck Driving Jobs in Texas
1. Oilfield Trucking Jobs
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Average Pay: $90,000 – $120,000/year
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Why It Pays Well: High risk, long hours, and remote routes transporting crude oil, sand, or equipment.
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Top Employers: Halliburton, Schlumberger, Pilot Thomas Logistics
2. Hazmat Tanker Drivers
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Average Pay: $80,000 – $110,000/year
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Requirements: CDL-A with Hazmat (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements.
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Why It Pays Well: Drivers transport dangerous materials and must follow strict regulations.
3. Oversized Load and Heavy Haul
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Average Pay: $85,000 – $115,000/year
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Why It Pays Well: Requires expertise, special permits, and sometimes escort vehicles.
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Top Employers: Lone Star Transportation, Daseke
4. Team Driving Jobs
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Average Pay (per driver): $90,000 – $120,000/year
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Why It Pays Well: Drivers work in pairs for fast delivery of time-sensitive freight.
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Top Employers in Texas: FedEx Custom Critical, Panther Premium Logistics
5. Private Fleet Drivers
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Average Pay: $85,000 – $100,000/year
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Why It Pays Well: Private companies (like Walmart or PepsiCo) offer stable routes and excellent benefits.
Best Trucking Companies in Texas That Pay Well
| Company | Type of Freight | Avg. Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart (Private Fleet) | General Merchandise | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| Schneider | OTR, Regional, Tanker | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Groendyke Transport | Tanker/Hazmat | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Lone Star Transportation | Heavy Haul | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| Stevens Transport | Refrigerated/OTR | $60,000 – $85,000 |
Tips to Qualify for High Paying Truck Driving Jobs in Texas
To access the best paying truck driving jobs in Texas, here are key steps:
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Get a CDL-A License: Required for most high-paying positions.
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Add Endorsements: Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples.
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Gain Experience: Most top jobs prefer 2+ years of clean driving history.
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Maintain a Clean Record: Safety pays—literally.
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Consider Flexibility: Long-haul and team positions often pay more than local jobs.
Additional Earnings & Perks
Top-paying trucking jobs often come with:
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Sign-On Bonuses: Ranging from $2,000 to $10,000
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Referral Bonuses: Up to $3,000 per referral
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Detention & Layover Pay
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Health Insurance & 401(k)
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Paid Time Off
Conclusion
From the booming oilfields to cross-border freight, Texas offers some of the best paying truck driving jobs in the nation. Whether you’re hauling hazardous materials, working in a team, or part of a private fleet, there are plenty of opportunities to earn top dollar.
To maximize your earning potential, invest in your training, obtain key endorsements, and stay open to routes and schedules that offer the best pay.
