If you are ready to hit the road and travel the country while earning good money, becoming a semi-truck driver may be an excellent career decision. CDL driver jobs are available to men and women who have completed sufficient training and passed the necessary tests for licensing. A Class A commercial driver’s license is required for individuals who want to operate heavy trucks and tractor-trailer equipment.

Employment Outlook

One reason to choose this career is an ongoing shortage of truck drivers that shows no sign of ending soon. That means an excellent employment outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a need for nearly 100,000 new truckers over the next eight years.

CDL driver jobs also are always available to replace workers who are retiring. The average age of semi-truck drivers is 55 years old. This indicates that many are in their 60s and are likely to retire very soon.

Average Income

Over-the-road truckers typically are paid by the mile. On average, they earn about $45,600 per year, according to the most recent data from the Bureau. The highest earners, those in the top 25 percent, make more than $54,000 annually. Those usually are drivers with many years of experience.

An Opportunity

After someone has acquired a CDL, it’s time to start applying for jobs. To be hired for some of the better positions, it may be necessary to gain a few years of experience first. Leavitts Freight Service is hiring, and information about this company can be viewed at Sitename.