Driver Pay Index: Insights into Trucking Industry Compensation Trends

Discover the Latest Trends in Driver Compensation with Our Truck Driver Pay Index

Welcome to the Driver Pay Index, your go-to resource for understanding truck driver compensation trends.

(Baseline: 100 = January 2020)

Disclaimer:

You are welcome to use this graph, provided you credit Superior Trucking Payroll Service, and include a link to this page. The graph, including our logo, may not be edited or altered in any way. This data may not be used behind paywalls or registration walls, and it cannot be utilized for commercial purposes.

What Is the Driver Pay Index?

The Driver Pay Index is your go-to resource for tracking truck driver compensation trends. We created this index to answer common industry questions, such as:

Our index aggregates data from trucking companies nationwide, providing a comprehensive overview of pay trends. This includes both regular pay and per diem compensation. While it doesn’t account for deductions like health insurance or other benefits, it gives a holistic look at pay for all types of drivers—local and OTR, flatbed and dry van, across all regions of the U.S.

How the Driver Pay Index Helps Carriers and Drivers

Whether you’re a carrier or a driver, understanding pay trends is critical:

Carriers:

Use this data to stay competitive and adjust your compensation packages accordingly.
Drivers:

Compare your earnings with industry standards and make informed career decisions.

Truck Driver Pay Trends: What the Data Tells Us

We’ve collected nearly five years of data, offering a clear picture of how truck driver pay has evolved since January 2020. Here’s what the Driver Pay Index reveals:

COVID-19 Impact:

Starting in early 2020, the pandemic caused an increase in driver pay as trucking demand soared.
2021 Boom:

As freight rates surged and demand remained high, driver pay steadily climbed.
2022 Pay Stability:

Despite trucking rates falling in early 2022, driver pay remained elevated through 2023.
Current Decline:

Recently, pay has been on the decline as trucking companies face tighter margins and are offloading equipment.

Future Insights for Trucking Industry Pay

We’re committed to expanding the index further. Our future goal is to break down the data by specific driver segments—whether by region, type of haul, or experience level—to provide even more detailed insights.