HOW MUCH DO TANKER TRUCK DRIVERS MAKE?

Within the trucking industry are many jobs you may not even be aware of. Before you settle on the direction of your career, it’s important to find out what the salary is for different jobs. In this article, we’ll discuss the roles tanker truck driver has and how much they can expect to make.

Tanker truck drivers can expect to make between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. Their pay is usually more than a standard semi-truck driver’s as tanker trucks are harder to drive and often have hazardous materials.

What is a tanker truck?

A tanker truck is a specific type of truck that is meant to carry liquids. The semi-truck cab will pull the tanker trailer, which is shaped like a giant cylinder.

Inside the tanker truck can be various liquids. However, these liquids are often dangerous and can include gasoline and hazardous materials.

Is driving a tanker truck hard?

When compared to transporting other types of cargo, a tanker truck is indeed harder. Both the material inside the tanker and the construction of the unit result in this difficulty.

A tanker truck has a higher center of gravity than a standard semi-truck trailer. Because of this, there is a greater chance of the truck rolling over.

Truck drivers need to take extra precautions when driving a tanker truck. They will have to go slower down hills and when turning corners to avoid the risk of rolling over.

There is also the possibility that the liquid inside the tank can cause the center of gravity to shift. As a tanker truck goes down a hill, the liquid inside the tank will naturally move forward. Then, if the truck brakes too suddenly, that liquid can create a wave-like experience, which can knock the whole truck off course.

Finally, the material inside the tanker can increase the hazard. Most liquids are flammable, so any risk of an accident is further amplified by the fact the whole tanker truck could potentially go up in flames.

How much do tanker drivers earn in the USA?

A tanker driver can expect to make between $60,000 and $80,000 in the United States. This is slightly higher than what a typical driver of a regular semi-truck will make.

What are the Highest Paying States for Tanker Truck drivers in the US?

There are certain states that pay a tanker truck driver a higher salary than others. However, pay is very relative to other living conditions and factors.

Washington, Nevada, New York, Alaska, and Indiana have higher than-normal salaries for truck drivers, no matter what they specialize in. While these salaries are not double the national average, they are between $5000 and $10,000 more than what other states offer.

However, if you want to make the most money, it’s best not to simply move to a new state. You will have to take into account the cost of living in each state, as well as how close to your job you can live.

If you live in a state where house prices are quite low, you can afford to take a small pay cut with your trucker salary. In contrast, earning a bit more each year in a state that has a higher trucker salary can actually cost you money if you have to pay double the price for your home.

Companies may also help increase your pay by providing bonuses for drivers that log the most mileage. You may also encounter companies that offer signing bonuses, especially if you live in an area that has a shortage of truck drivers.

What qualifications do you need to be a tanker truck driver?

Like other semi-truck drivers, you need to be 18 years or older, except in Hawaii where you need to be 21. You will then need to earn your commercial driver’s license, which involves training from an accredited school.

You will often need to pass an alcohol and drug test, and may even need to undergo a physical, depending on the company you work for.

Driving a tanker truck needs extra skills, so there are more qualifications needed than just with a standard semi-truck. This includes getting a tanker endorsement.

You can either get this extra certification at the same time as your commercial driver’s license or you can get it at a later date. While you do not need to go through training, you should still study and be prepared for the written test.

Finally, even though not all tanker trucks transport hazardous material, the majority do. Having your HazMat endorsement will make it easier to get a job as it will allow you to transport a wider range of cargo.

After you have all these qualifications, you can then find a job. Your new company will often provide a few weeks of training and tutorials to ensure you are prepared for the task and the extra hazards that come with it.

Other alternative truck-related jobs

Driving for your entire life may not be for everyone. If you want to stay within the industry but shift focus, you might want to consider these alternative jobs.

Loading

As long as you are physically fit, you can help with loading. This can be a demanding job and doesn’t offer as high pay as truck drivers, but it does offer variety in your day. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hitting the gym.

Dispatch

Those that want a comfier job may be interested in dispatch. This is a great job to transition into after being a truck driver as you will be familiar with the lingo and processes.

Management

The next step to being an owner-operator is becoming a trucking manager. You may need to take some business courses but if you enjoy mentoring new drivers and are highly organized, this is a nice way to end your career.

Conclusion

Tanker truck drivers make a bit more than the average semi-truck driver. They often need to transport hazardous materials and the higher center of gravity of the tanker means there is a greater risk of a rollover.