Best Paying Class B CDL Jobs

The trucking industry offers a variety of career paths for individuals with a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Some of these positions not only provide stable employment but also offer competitive salaries. Below, we explore some of the top-paying jobs for Class B CDL holders, including job descriptions, responsibilities, and the average salaries associated with each role.

Tanker Hauler

• Average Salary: Can exceed $90,000 annually for top earners.
• Job Description: Tanker haulers transport various gasses and liquids, requiring careful handling and adherence to safety regulations.
• Responsibilities: Loading and unloading materials, conducting safety checks, and maintaining compliance with safety standards.
• Required Education: Class B CDL with tanker endorsement and additional safety training.

Hazmat Truck Driver

• Average Salary: Over $80,000 per year.
• Job Description: Responsible for the safe transport of hazardous materials, adhering to strict safety protocols.
• Responsibilities: Ensuring the safe delivery of toxic materials, following regulations to protect public health and safety.
• Required Education: Class B CDL with hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement.

Oversized Load Hauler

• Average Salary: Up to $175,500 for specific loads, with an average of about $55,000 annually.
• Job Description: Transporting oversized items that exceed standard dimensions, requiring special permits and escorts.
• Responsibilities: Complying with transportation regulations for oversized loads and coordinating with pilot vehicles.
• Required Education: Class B CDL and specialized training for handling oversized loads.

Ice Road Truck Driver

• Average Salary: Up to $250,000 per season, with a more common range around $60,000 for the season.
• Job Description: Operating trucks over frozen lakes and roads in extreme winter conditions.
• Responsibilities: Navigating hazardous ice roads, ensuring timely and safe delivery of cargo.
• Required Education: Class B CDL with additional training for driving in extreme winter conditions.

Private Fleets

• Average Salary: $70,000 to $85,000 annually.
• Job Description: Driving for a company’s private fleet, like Walmart, which requires maintaining high safety and performance standards.
• Responsibilities: Safe and efficient transport of goods, maintaining a clean driving record, and adhering to company policies.
• Required Education: Class B CDL, often with additional company-specific requirements.

Specialty Car Haulers

• Average Salary: Around $65,000 per year.
• Job Description: Transporting high-value, vintage, or specialty cars in enclosed trailers.
• Responsibilities: Careful handling and transportation of expensive vehicles, ensuring their protection during transit.
• Required Education: Class B CDL with specialized training in car hauling.

Mining Industry – Dump Trucks

• Average Salary: More than $100,000 a year in some cases.
• Job Description: Operating large dump trucks in mining operations.
• Responsibilities: Hauling materials within mining sites, maintaining vehicle safety and efficiency.
• Required Education: Class B CDL, with additional training specific to mining operations may be required.

Team Driving

• Average Salary: Up to $90,500 annually for some teams.
• Job Description: Team drivers take turns driving to ensure the truck is constantly moving, allowing for faster delivery times.
• Responsibilities: Coordinating driving schedules with team members, maintaining safety and efficiency.
• Required Education: Class B CDL, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication skills.

Union Drivers

• Average Salary: Typically higher than non-unionized drivers, with standardized rates of pay.
• Job Description: Driving for a unionized company, which often provides better wages and benefits.
• Responsibilities: Fulfilling driving duties while adhering to union standards and agreements.
• Required Education: Class B CDL, with union membership and adherence to union standards.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in the trucking industry with a Class B CDL opens up numerous opportunities for lucrative jobs. Specialized roles like tanker hauling, Hazmat transport, and oversized load hauling offer higher pay due to the increased risks and skill levels required. Private fleet positions and union jobs also provide competitive salaries with additional benefits. As with any career choice, it’s essential to consider the required qualifications, responsibilities, and the lifestyle associated with each role to find the best fit for your career goals.

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Sources

For more detailed information on Class B CDL jobs and their salaries, please refer to the following sources:

• https://www.truckerstraining.com
• https://www.smart-trucking.com

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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