Introduction
Texas is one of the best states for truck drivers, offering high-paying job opportunities due to its strong economy, vast road networks, and booming industries. If you’re looking for the best paying truck driving jobs in Texas, this guide will help you find the highest-paying positions and the companies that offer competitive salaries.
Top High-Paying Truck Driving Jobs in Texas
Here are some of the highest-paying trucking jobs in Texas:
- Owner-Operator Truck Driver
- Average Salary: $200,000+ per year (depending on contracts and loads)
- Why It Pays Well: Owner-operators run their own trucking business, meaning they have higher earning potential but also cover expenses like fuel and maintenance.
- Oversized Load Hauler
- Average Salary: $90,000 – $150,000 per year
- Why It Pays Well: Transporting oversized loads requires special certifications and skills. Texas has a high demand for oversized freight due to its construction and oil industries.
- Hazmat Truck Driver
- Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 per year
- Why It Pays Well: Drivers transporting hazardous materials need special training and certification, making this a highly specialized and well-paid position.
- Tanker Truck Driver
- Average Salary: $75,000 – $110,000 per year
- Why It Pays Well: Transporting liquid cargo, such as fuel or chemicals, requires additional safety precautions, which increases pay.
- Ice Road Truck Driver (Seasonal)
- Average Salary: $100,000+ in just a few months
- Why It Pays Well: While not exclusive to Texas, some drivers travel seasonally to work in high-risk areas for extra earnings.
- Oil Field Truck Driver
- Average Salary: $80,000 – $130,000 per year
- Why It Pays Well: Texas has a booming oil industry, and truck drivers hauling crude oil or drilling equipment are in high demand.
- Team Truck Drivers
- Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year (per driver)
- Why It Pays Well: Team driving allows for continuous long-haul trips, increasing miles and earnings.
- Refrigerated (Reefer) Truck Driver
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $100,000 per year
- Why It Pays Well: Delivering temperature-sensitive cargo requires additional responsibilities and experience.
Best Trucking Companies in Texas for High Salaries
Here are some top trucking companies in Texas that offer competitive pay and benefits:
- Schneider National – Offers high-paying regional and dedicated routes.
- Swift Transportation – Competitive pay for both new and experienced drivers.
- UPS and FedEx Freight – Excellent pay and benefits for local and long-haul drivers.
- XPO Logistics – Well-paid specialized trucking positions.
- H-E-B Trucking – High salaries for local Texas routes.
Requirements to Get a High-Paying Truck Driving Job in Texas
To qualify for the best-paying truck driving jobs, you should have:
- A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Additional endorsements for Hazmat, Tanker, or Oversized Loads
- Experience (some high-paying jobs require at least 2-3 years)
- A clean driving record
Conclusion
Texas offers some of the highest-paying truck driving jobs in the U.S. Whether you’re an experienced driver or just starting your career, opportunities abound in industries like oil, freight, and logistics. By obtaining the necessary certifications and experience, you can maximize your earnings and enjoy a rewarding career in trucking.
Looking for a high-paying truck driving job in Texas? Start by applying to top companies and specializing in in-demand sectors like Hazmat, oil field trucking, or oversized loads!
