The Demand for Driving Jobs in America
Various driving opportunities exist in America. The following points demonstrate a strength in the employment market for drivers:
1) The increasing amount of shopping online is due to the growth of E-Commerce: Many large retailers such as Amazon, Walmart & UPS™ require thousands of drivers every single day to deliver their packages.
2) The shortage of truck drivers in America is at an all-time high, consistently reported by the American Trucking Association as over 60,000 drivers short.
3) The increase of the gig economy, which includes drivers for Uber / Lyft / Food Delivery Apps and Flexible Jobs (Job Flexibility)
4) As more drivers retire, the available jobs for newly hired drivers will continue to grow.
Due to these reasons, the driver job market in the USA is one of the most stable and abundant opportunities available today.
Driving Jobs in America
The reason that the USA Driving Industry is attractive to job seekers is that it offers a variety of driving options and jobs, based on an individual’s skills, experience, license requirements, and personal lifestyle preferences.
1) CDL (Commercial Truck Driver) – Regional & Long Haul/- Transport products through 49 states.
Dry Van
Refrigerated Haul
Flat-Bed
HazMat (Higher Salary)
Reasons for choosing this position: Competitive Salary, Secure Job, Benefits: Health Care, Retirement.
Delivery Drivers (Non-CDL) – This category is perfect for those people looking to get in to a new type of job industry that is relatively easy to enter. The following companies are examples of companies that utilize non-CDL delivery drivers:
- Amazon DSP
- UPS & FedEx
- Walmart Spark
- Local courier Services
This type of delivery driver position is best for people who desire consistent work from day to day and a predictable route.
Ride-Hailing Drivers – Using companies like Uber and Lyft provides flexible schedules and immediate earning opportunities.
Some pros of being a ride-hailing driver include:
- The ability to make your own schedule
- Earnings can be received weekly or instantly
- A special driver’s license is not required for ride-hailing drivers.
Some disadvantages of being a ride-hailing driver are:
- Vehicle maintenance and increased fuel prices will likely impact your overall earnings.
Bus and Shuttle Drivers – This category includes school bus drivers, city bus drivers, airport shuttle drivers, and tour bus drivers.
Bus and shuttle drivers have the benefit of consistent work hours, government-paid training, and other forms of financial support available through the government for public transportation employees.
Special Vehicle Drivers – This is a specialized category and includes:
- Tow truck operators
- Ambulance drivers
- Limousine and luxury vehicle chauffeurs
- Construction truck/vehicle drivers
While these types of positions require additional training prior to starting employment, they usually pay better than an average delivery driver position.
How Much do Drivers In The USA make?
There is a variety of different driver pay scales based on the type of driver, location, and level of experience. The information below provides realistic estimates of what drivers are earning in the U.S. based on labor market statistics and results of surveys of drivers:
Type of Driver Job Annual Salary Average Salary Average Salary.
Truck driver (CDL) $55,000 – $90,000 Hazardous materials (hazmat) and long haul drivers often exceed $100,000.
Delivery driver $35,000 – $55,000 Some large companies such as Amazon and United Parcel Service (UPS) provide other benefits.
Uber and Lyft drivers $800-$1,500 weekly Pay is based on the market and hours worked.
Bus driver $40,000 – $65,000 May receive additional pay for overtime worked.
Tow truck driver $35,000 – $60,000 High demand in urban locations.
Tip: Drivers with certification for hazardous materials, tankers, or passenger vehicles have much higher earning potential.
Requirements For Driver Jobs In The USA
A majority of driver jobs have very low entry barriers and can be obtained without much experience.
General requirements:
Driver’s license
Clean driving record.
Pass a drug screen and medical test.
Able to communicate in basic English.
Certification is a requirement for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) jobs and must
Be 21 for interstate driving.
Pass a written exam and road test.
Complete training at an accredited driving school.
Some companies also provide sponsorship for training to help new drivers get into their careers.
Advantages of Working in the US as a Driver
- High Job Stability
The transportation industry is not expected to decline due to the demand for drivers as long as goods need to be transported.
- Flexible Work
There are positions available for all types of drivers, including both full-time positions (like truck drivers) and part-time delivery positions.
- Advancement
There are many opportunities for drivers to advance, upgrade skills, and take on higher paying jobs (Fleet Supervisor and Owner-Operator).
- Independence and Freedom
A lot of drivers prefer being on the road than spending their day stuck behind a desk.
- Competitive Pay
Even entry level jobs are established based on multiple things that can lead to more pay as you grow in this career.
Problems to Consider
In general, every job will have its own issues and there are some problems that many drivers run into in some capacity.
- Long Hours for Truck Drivers
- Fuel and Maintenance Costs for Gig Drivers
- Weather Conditions in Areas that Get Snow
- Traffic Congestion in Large Cities
- Having a Good Understanding of these before the job starts will allow for a better transition.
How Foreigners Can Apply for Driving Positions in the USA
Those from outside the United States may wish to drive professionally. The immigration process may be difficult to navigate.
In order to legally work in the United States, you should possess:
A US Work Visa
The process will not be easy, but is possible with the right amount of planning. A high number of new arrivals to the United States will begin with delivery or ride-sharing type alternatives after gaining their residency.