Truck Drivers, Heavy or Tractor Trailer
Description OES Code: 97102
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 3 tons, to transport and deliver goods, livestock, or materials in liquid, loose or packaged form. May be required to unload truck.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.12
25th Percentile $13.64
50th Percentile $16.48
75th Percentile $19.78

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.80
25th Percentile $12.31
50th Percentile $13.99
75th Percentile $16.99

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most employees in this occupation are full time and average 44 hours per week.

Most employers provide medical and dental insurance in addition to vacation, retirement and life insurance plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 105,900
Projected Employment 2008 133,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 25.8%
Separations 1998-2008 17,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 4,650
Projected Employment 2006 5,530
Percent Change 1999-2006 18.9%
Separations 1999-2006 510

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Chances for promotion for Truck Drivers are kind of limited, but some drivers become driver trainers, supervisors of warehouses, terminals and docks or company branch managers. Commercial drivers expect to change employers a lot for more pay, different kinds of driving experience, more responsibility or better working conditions.

Some drivers buy trucks and set up their own business or become independent contractors.

Getting the Job & Other Information
The high cost of insurance makes it difficult to get a job as a Truck Driver if you are under the age of 25. The best way to get started as a Truck Driver is to apply directly to companies for work as a driver-helper, warehouse-worker or dock loader. The California Employment Development Department lists jobs for drivers and other workers in this type of work.

For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
In California, Truck Drivers must have a Class A drivers license to drive heavy trucks. All applicants for a Class A license or for those that are renewing their license, must meet the following minimum requirements: have a good driving record; be at least 18 years old for driving within the state, or 21 years old to transport out of state cargo; pass a medical examination that requires good hearing, 20/40 vision, with or without glasses, normal use of arms and legs (unless one gets a waiver) and normal blood pressure. All drivers must pass written exams and road driving tests, and meet the State licensing and driving requirements for the truck being driven.

Skills & Other Requirements
The Truck Driver's responsibilities depend on the kind of load to be delivered. For example, if they deliver a product that needs to be cold, they need to check the refrigeration equipment. If they deliver livestock (animals), they need to know how to feed and water the animals. If they are delivering hazardous materials, they have to know how to handle it according to regulations. The Truck Driver must also know how to operate special equipment on the truck for loading and unloading the product they are carrying.

 References
California Occupational Guide: #255

Related Occupations: Bus Drivers, Garbage Collectors & Drivers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)

© 2002 State of California CalCRN, US Department of Labor
Unless otherwise noted, wage data source: CA EDD Occupational Employment Statistics Employer Survey. Other wage data may be based on the most recent Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses.
Questions or Comments? Contact CalCRN.