30 Best-Paid Driving Jobs To Help You Advance Your Driving Career

What are driving jobs?

 Driving jobs can be found in a variety of settings and positions. Some driving jobs involve automotive testing, while others are specific to the trucking industry. Driving jobs help companies transport products or materials to various destinations.

If you’re looking for a unique job that involves driving a vehicle or truck, reviewing different positions can help you determine which role aligns with your skills and experience. Some of the best-paying driving jobs that pay over $80,000 include: commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who drive heavy haul trucks, long-haul truck drivers who transport goods across state lines, and chauffeurs who provide transportation for executives and other high-profile individuals.

30 best-paid driving jobs

1. Tanker driver

National average salary: $83,789 per year

Tanker drivers transport liquids to customer locations, often transporting gasoline, natural gas, industrial chemical and water. They are also responsible for certifying the tank integrity of their trailer by identifying any corrosion, holes or defects that might affect the safety of the liquid.

2. Tractor-trailer truck driver

National average salary: $84,471 per year

Truck drivers transport goods and materials for a company using a semitruck with an attached trailer. They are responsible for verifying the cargo load information, analyzing the load safety, and securing cargo to the trailer’s floor. Truck drivers also collaborate with their company’s dispatch personnel and customers to ensure they deliver cargo on time within established timelines.

3. Owner-operator driver

National average salary: $301,511 per year

Owner-operators are responsible for independently delivering customer cargo, communicating with companies to coordinate delivery schedules and confirm shipment information. They also plan routes and annotate all trucking activity information.

4. Automobile hauler

Automobile haulers transport new or used vehicles to production facilities, car dealerships, or other destinations. They often conduct pre- and post-operation vehicle inspections to ensure the integrity and safety of their truck and trailer. These drivers also verify the operation of their trailers, including ramp and tie-down tools, which help secure smaller vehicles to the trailer.

5. Ice road truck driver

Ice road truckers are responsible for transporting goods to difficult-to-reach locations, often through hazardous road conditions. They use this experience and knowledge to confirm weather and road condition information prior to travel, so that they can make the most efficient use of their time and safety while driving.

6. Hazardous materials hauler

Hazardous materials haulers transport a variety of material, including airbags, air conditioning units, batteries, aerosol products and fireworks. They also ensure the safety of their vehicle and trailer by confirming proper operation and displaying all hazardous material placards.

7. Heavy equipment transporter

Transporters are responsible for driving or transporting heavy machinery, often to specified locations. They also conduct vehicle inspections to ensure fluids levels, tires, and overall integrity of the vehicles. Transporters work with other team members to confirm routes and destinations for the vehicles they transport.

8. Mining truck driver

Mining truck drivers help move materials from mining locations to processing facilities. They use tilt desks and lowboy trailers according to operational guidelines, and regularly weigh their vehicles at weigh stations.

9. Over the road (OTR) trucker

OTR truckers transport materials, products, or other goods for extended periods. They complete paperwork and communicate with shipment personnel in order to support the loading and unloading operations of cargo. OTR drivers also maintain control of their shipments by verifying cargo documentation, securing materials to the trailer, and conducting vehicle operation inspections regularly.

10. Oversize load trucker

Oversize load drivers transport large cargo loads to their destination. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of their cargo and other drivers while transporting these heavy loads. These drivers may also communicate with their team of drivers to identify any obstacles on the road that could affect the safe transport of the cargo.

11. Private fleet driver

Private fleet drivers are responsible for transporting materials and products for a specific company. They might drive local deliveries or long hauls through multiple states, working with dispatch drivers and delivery locations to ensure that products are delivered on time.

12. Team truck driver

Team truck drivers work together to transport cargo to customer destinations. These teams are helpful for long-distance driving and can help expedite customer delivery timelines. Drivers perform duties such as loading or unloading cargo, cleaning their vehicle, inspecting their truck or trailer, and recording travel information.

13. Delivery driver

National average salary: £28,350 per year

Delivery drivers are responsible for delivering items to customers after they purchase them. They focus on providing excellent customer service and ensuring that the customer is satisfied with the product. They may call customers with updates on their orders or follow specific instructions that the customer provides for delivery. Delivery drivers also have to inspect and refuel vehicles between deliveries, as well as observe maintenance checks on vehicles between deliveries.

14. Driving instructor

National average salary: £30,675 per year

As a driving instructor, you provide instruction, support and development to a driving team in order to ensure their drivers are effective. You also assist in an HR capacity by ensuring legal requirements for drivers and maintaining company standards of professionalism.

15. Dump truck driver

National average salary: £31,261 per year

Dump truck drivers are responsible for moving large loads from construction sites. They often work in tandem with other employees at the site to ensure the swift and safe removal of cargo. Completing a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a common requirement for these drivers.

16. Over the road (OTR) truck driver

National average salary: £31,999 per year

Truck drivers who have completed a CPC training program may be assigned to long-distance routes, often travelling between cities or even countries. These assignments can involve extended periods of time on the road with few stops, so you must be prepared for the intense driving conditions and scan goods shipments while traveling alone or sometimes with an assistant. This is a specific role in the trucking industry – truck drivers are not typically responsible for loading and unloading cargo.

17. Hub manager

National average salary: £32,655 per year

Hub managers are responsible for supporting their team in a variety of ways, often overseeing the development of the team as a whole. They create and implement training programmes, business practices and policies, and procedures related to the driving industry. In some cases, companies may ask hub managers to oversee the hiring process, performance evaluations, and scheduling. Hub managers typically work on teams that oversee fleets of cars or trucks. Experience in management or leadership roles is helpful for this position.

18. Truck driver

National average salary: £34,236 per year

Truck drivers often drive trucks within a fleet of trucks. They may take on apprentice or assistant driver roles to become certified, and then work their way up the ladder. Truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and inspecting them regularly for any issues. Additionally, they may be required to have a certain number of years experience before taking on additional responsibilities outside of an assistant or apprentice capacity.

19. Van driver

National average salary: £36,348 per year

Van drivers have various responsibilities, most notably staying in one place and making deliveries or providing passage throughout cities or into rural areas nearby. They may also be responsible for loading or unloading packages from their vans, depending on the company’s needs. Van drivers often transport packages to multiple recipients, haul cargo for transportation purposes, or transport people.

20. Tanker driver

National average salary: £38,303 per year

As tanker drivers for fuel companies, it is essential that they are vigilant and punctual as they drive their routes. This means that the fuel companies offer tanker drivers a benefits package, which can include medical, dental, paid overtime, pension schemes, monthly meal allowances, paid trainings and a per annum allowance. Fuel companies rely on these consistent and safe deliveries to remain in business; therefore these drivers receive high priority and often receive additional benefits such as paid overtime or pension schemes.

Driving a tanker may require a Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) or European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The job often has a flexible work schedule with shifts set in the night, days, or weekends. The dangerous nature of your cargo means that it’s important to maintain strong attention on the road and other drivers at all times. They may also receive comprehensive training concerning the processes and procedures that surround fuel transport.

21. Owner-operator driver

National average salary: £38,019 per year

Owner-operators are generally required to meet the same qualifications as truck drivers since they work for companies with similar fleets. The primary difference is that owner-operators own their own vehicles and must keep them in good condition, which makes regular inspections all the more important. Many companies may offer a maintenance or fuel allowance to help cover these costs.

22. Delivery manager

National average salary: £49,899 per year

Delivery managers are responsible for overseeing team development and structural improvements. They may create programmes and activities to coordinate between various teams of drivers, as well as work with stakeholders and other teams to develop new systems or methods to maintain cohesion across the company.

Managers track progress, manage schedules, and ensure a high standard of training and industry knowledge in order to maintain or improve the delivery of services.

Indeed’s salary data reflects the data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salary figures may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate’s experience, academic background, and location.

23. Airport Shuttle Driver

An airport shuttle driver is responsible for drop-off and pick-up duties at an airport. Shuttle vans or buses that serve as a mode of transportation between hotels and airports are common in this career. Other drivers may work exclusively at an airport, shuttling passengers between terminals or picking them up from their vehicles to take them to other areas within the facility like rental cars or parking lots. In order to provide excellent customer service, it is important for shuttle drivers to inquire about the final destination of each passenger and be able to assist with any special needs they may have.

24. Professional Driver

Professional drivers race a variety of vehicles at a highly competitive level, across many different classes and divisions. They do this in order to win prize money and sponsorship, which helps finance their racing operation.

25. Party Bus Driver

A party bus driver is a licensed driver who is typically eligible to transport passengers on trips while the passengers engage in a festive or fun atmosphere. As a party bus driver, you operate a 14 or more passenger vehicle along designated pick-up and drop-off points, providing excellent customer service along the way.

Depending on the event, you may be driving people across the state or county for a sporting event, picking up a wedding party along the way, or driving to several stopping points.

26. Chauffeur

Chauffeurs have a variety of duties and responsibilities in this career, which can include picking up and dropping off clients at their destinations, driving the car, maintaining it, and providing customer service. The main role of a chauffeur is to fulfill these responsibilities for their client.

You can drive a variety of different vehicles, including limos, town cars, or your employer’s personal car. In addition to driving and maintaining the vehicle, you are responsible for cleaning it regularly – washing the inside and outside as well as getting it inspected on a regular basis.

27. Charter Bus Driver

Charter bus drivers are professionals who use their skills and special commercial driver’s license to provide safe, secure, and comfortable transportation for groups of people. These professionals have experience and commitment to providing a high level of service.

Charter Bus Drivers are responsible for ensuring that the motor coach stays on schedule and arrives at its destination without any unforeseen occurrences. They also keep track of passengers who are expected to be on the bus, and make sure that those who do not show up or who disappear during stops are accounted for. Additionally, Charter Bus Drivers may perform basic automotive maintenance tasks in addition to their duties as a bus driver.

28. Personal Driver

As a chauffeur, your responsibilities include being polite and punctual, knowing the best routes to all of the sites in your city, and ensuring that any interactions with clients are confidential.

29. Limo Driver

Limo drivers are responsible for picking up and transporting passengers in limousines. These drivers may drive a variety of limo types, including town cars, stretch limos, and SUV limos.

The chauffeur’s job is to clean and maintain the interior of the limousine, help passengers get in and out, and always choose a safe route to the destination. Limo drivers usually work for limousine rental companies or as taxi drivers or private chauffeurs.

30. Motor Coach Operator

A motor coach operator provides transportation services for passengers, either on fixed routes or through partnerships with tour companies. Many tasks associated with this profession, such as driving and loading luggage, are common to all drivers. However, motor coach operators often need to work long hours and stay overnight during an interstate or intercity trip.

 

What is the highest paying job in transportation?

Higher-paying trucking jobsDelivery driver. National average salary: $16.85 per hour. … Snowplow operator. National average salary: $18.89 per hour. … Private fleet driver. National average salary: $1,210 per week. … Tanker driver. National average salary: $71,065 per year. … Long-haul driver. … Truck driver trainer. … Owner-operator driver.7 of the Highest Paying Trucking Jobs | Indeed.comwww.indeed.com › Career Guide › Finding a jobAbout Featured Snippets

What is the easiest driving job?

Dry van trucking is the easiest type of trucking job to get. For one thing, the turnover rate is very high, leaving a revolving door of open jobs. It’s also not uncommon for mega carriers to have thousands of these in their fleetsGeneral Freight Trucking: Good Trucking Jobs For Beginnerswww.smart-trucking.com › general-freight-truckingAbout Featured Snippets

What is the best driving company to work for?

12 top-rated trucking companies to considerGypsum Express Ltd.H.O. Wolding Inc.Modular Transportation.Old Dominion Freight Line Inc.Prime Inc.Riverside Transportation Inc.TeamOne Logistics.Wadhams Enterprises.Top 12 Trucking Companies To Work For (And How To Become a …www.indeed.com › Career Guide › Finding a jobAbout Featured Snippets

What driving job pays the most?

Review these three best-paying driving jobs that pay over $80,000:Tanker driver.Tractor-trailer truck driver.Owner-operator driver. National average salary: $301,511 per year. … Automobile hauler. … Ice road truck driver. … Hazardous materials hauler. … Heavy equipment transporter. … Mining truck driver.12 Best-Paid Driving Jobs To Help You Advance Your Driving Careerwww.indeed.com › Career Guide › Finding a jobAbout Featured Snippets

Top website has the answer to “best paying driving jobs” :