The highest-paying trucking jobs for new drivers are with companies like Walmart, Werner Enterprises, and Sysco, where entry-level CDL holders can earn $72,000–$87,500 per year. Most top-paying carriers also offer sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and paid CDL training, so new drivers don’t need years of experience to land a well-compensated role.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart pays new drivers the most among major carriers, with an average starting salary around $87,500 per year, plus 401(k), medical coverage, and up to 21 days of PTO from day one.
- Roehl is the best option if you don’t have a CDL yet. They cover the cost of CDL training and can get you licensed and on the road in about six weeks.
- Werner Enterprises offers up to $7,000 in sign-on bonuses paid weekly, plus up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursement for qualified drivers.
- Specialized freight and endorsements raise your earning potential. As you gain experience, adding hazmat, tanker, or oversized load endorsements can push your salary well above the national average.
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- Roehl Transport: Best for Paid CDL Training
- Walmart: Best Starting Salary
- Werner Enterprises: Best Sign-On Bonus & Tuition Reimbursement
- Sysco: Best Stock Benefits
- Epes Transport: Best Work-Life Balance
- Fraley & Schilling: Best Home Time
- How To Become a Truck Driver
- What To Look for in High-Paying Trucking Jobs
- FAQ
Roehl Transport: Best for Paid CDL Training
Roehl is the strongest option for drivers who don’t have a CDL yet. The company covers the full cost of in-class CDL training and pairs new hires with an experienced Roehl driver for over-the-road training. Most drivers are licensed and working within six weeks.
Beyond training, Roehl is known for offering more home time than many long-haul carriers, with flexible driving schedules that appeal to drivers who want to stay close to family while still building a career.
Roehl Transport Salary by Experience
| Experience | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | ~$50,000 |
| 1–3 years | ~$65,000 |
| 4–10 years | ~$75,000 |
| 10+ years | ~$80,000 |
Roehl Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully paid CDL training
- Mileage-based compensation with room to grow
- More weekly home time than most long-haul carriers
- New, well-maintained truck fleet
- Low driver turnover, which points to a solid work culture
Cons
- Drivers who go through paid training are committed to driving for Roehl for 120,000 solo miles (about 15 months)
Best for: New drivers who want paid CDL training
Pro tip: If you go through Roehl’s paid CDL training, ask your recruiter for the exact terms of the driving commitment before signing.
Walmart: Best Starting Salary
Walmart consistently offers some of the highest starting salaries in trucking. New drivers average around $87,500 per year, which is up to 17% above the national average for CDL drivers. The company also places a strong emphasis on driver safety, offers driver training, and compensates drivers for downtime.
For a new driver looking to maximize starting pay from day one, Walmart’s private fleet is hard to beat on base salary alone.
Walmart Driver Pros & Cons
Pros
- Average starting salary of around $87,500 per year is among the highest for entry-level CDL roles
- 401(k) with company contributions
- Medical and dental insurance from day one
- Up to 21 days of PTO in the first year
- Life insurance and short-term disability coverage
- Four paid safety days annually
Cons
- Some drivers report friction with store-level management
- Occasional confusion about driver responsibilities versus store staff responsibilities at delivery locations
Best for: The highest possible starting salary and a strong benefits package
Werner Enterprises: Best Sign-On Bonus & Tuition Reimbursement
Werner Enterprises won’t match Walmart’s starting salary, but the financial extras make it one of the best total packages for new drivers. Qualified drivers can earn up to $7,000 in sign-on bonuses paid weekly and up to $15,000 in CDL tuition reimbursement. The company also runs a new truck fleet, offers continuous training, and allows pets on the road.
Werner Enterprises Pros & Cons
Pros
- Up to $7,000 in sign-on bonuses, paid weekly
- Up to $15,000 in CDL tuition reimbursement for qualified drivers
- 401(k) with health, vision, and dental insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Pet-friendly policy for long-haul drivers
- Ongoing education and training opportunities
Cons
- Some drivers report the company culture is less cohesive than smaller carriers
Best for: Sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement
Sysco: Best Stock Benefits
Sysco drivers earn around $78,000 per year on average, which is roughly 10% above the industry average for comparable roles. The company runs both local and short-haul regional routes, which gives drivers more flexibility than a traditional long-haul position. Most drivers work up to 10 hours a day, six days a week.
What sets Sysco apart is its employee stock purchase program, a benefit that’s not common among trucking companies.
Sysco Pros & Cons
Pros
- Average salary around $78,000 per year, roughly 10% above industry average
- Employee stock purchase program
- Medical, dental, and prescription coverage
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k)
- Pre-tax savings options and employee discounts
Cons
- Some drivers report 14-hour days, particularly during peak periods
- Customer interactions at delivery locations can be unpredictable
Best for: Above-average pay and an employee stock purchase program
Epes Transport: Best Work-Life Balance
Epes Transport averages around $72,000 per year for drivers, and local drivers can be home every night. Long-haul drivers are guaranteed home time each week. Epes also pays short-haul regional drivers comparably to long-haul routes, which is rare in the industry.
Epes Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Local drivers home daily; long-haul drivers guaranteed weekly home time
- Short-haul and long-haul routes pay comparably
- 24-hour driver support
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k) with matching
- Referral bonuses and paid vacations
- Layover pay
Cons
- Some drivers report longer-than-expected wait times to get assigned a truck
Best for: Competitive pay without sacrificing time at home
Fraley & Schilling: Best Home Time
Founded in 1955 and based in Rushville, Indiana, Fraley & Schilling has built a reputation around home time. The company reports that 98% of its drivers are home on weekends. Pay is structured as a set percentage based on truck type rather than a fixed annual salary, which means earnings grow with load volume rather than linearly by year.
Fraley & Schilling Pros & Cons
Pros
- 98% of drivers home on weekends
- Percentage-based pay structure tied to load revenue
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Long- and short-term disability
- 401(k)
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Late model equipment
- Lease-to-purchase program available
Cons
- Some former drivers report difficulty getting consistent dedicated loads
- Occasional delays in layover and overtime pay
- Long hours reported by some drivers
Best for: Weekend home time and a percentage-based pay structure tied to load volume
Pro tip: Before accepting any percentage-based pay offer, ask the recruiter what the average gross per truck per week looks like for drivers on your route type.
How To Become a Truck Driver
Getting your CDL is the first step toward any of the jobs on this list. The process is more straightforward than most people expect.
- Meet the basic requirements: You’ll need a regular driver’s license, a GED or high school diploma, and to be at least 21 years old for interstate driving (18 for intrastate in most states).
- Enroll in a CDL training program: Most accredited CDL schools complete training in three to seven weeks. Some carriers, including Roehl, offer fully paid training programs where you earn your CDL through the company.
- Earn your CDL learner’s permit: After completing your coursework, you’ll take a written knowledge test through your state’s DMV to receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
- Pass the CDL skills exam: The final step is a practical driving test covering pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving portion. Full requirements are outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Apply for jobs: Once you hold a CDL, you’re eligible for the positions on this list. Many carriers offer job placement assistance through their training programs.
What To Look for in High-Paying Trucking Jobs
- Total compensation, not just base salary: Sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, profit sharing, and stock programs can add thousands of dollars to your annual take-home on top of base wages. Werner’s $7,000 sign-on bonus and $15,000 tuition reimbursement are a good example of benefits that rival a salary bump.
- Endorsements and specializations: Hazmat, tanker, and oversized load endorsements unlock higher-paying freight. Even as a new driver, getting endorsed early puts you ahead of unendorsed drivers competing for the same loads.
- Home time vs. mileage: More miles usually means more money, but it also means less time at home. Epes and Fraley & Schilling show that strong pay and regular home time aren’t mutually exclusive.
- Location and route type: Pay varies by region. States like New York and Alaska typically pay higher CDL wages due to demand and terrain. Some carriers pay more for remote or mountain routes that carry additional risk.
- Cargo type: Temperature-controlled freight (reefer), hazardous materials, and high-value loads pay more because they require more care, compliance, and skill. As a new driver, understanding cargo classifications can help you target the most lucrative available loads.
Pro tip: Earning the highest salary in the trucking industry often requires logging a few years on the road. Check out our list of the top CDL careers by salary.
Our Take
For new drivers focused purely on starting salary, Walmart is the clear leader at around $87,500 per year. Roehl is the strongest choice if you need a CDL first; their paid training program removes the upfront cost barrier entirely. Werner is worth a close look if you already have your CDL and want to recover tuition costs fast. And if home time matters as much as pay, Epes and Fraley & Schilling are built around that balance.
The best first trucking job is the one that fits your situation, not just the one with the highest number on the offer letter.
FAQ
How much do beginner truck drivers make?
New CDL drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 in their first year, depending on the carrier, route type, and freight specialty. Companies like Walmart start new drivers significantly higher, around $87,500 per year, while carriers with paid training programs like Roehl typically start drivers closer to $50,000 with strong growth in years two and three.
Is becoming a truck driver worth it?
For most people, yes. Truck driving offers a clear path to a $70,000–$90,000+ salary without a four-year degree, and the barrier to entry is relatively low. The trade-off is time away from home on long-haul routes, though many carriers now offer regional and local positions that bring drivers home nightly or weekly.
Can truck drivers be home every night?
Yes, local and some regional drivers are home daily. Carriers like Epes Transport and Fraley & Schilling offer route structures specifically built around regular home time, and Fraley & Schilling reports 98% of their drivers are home every weekend.
What CDL endorsements increase pay the most?
Hazmat (H), tanker (N), and doubles/triples (T) endorsements consistently open the door to higher-paying freight. Hazmat and tanker are particularly valuable because relatively few drivers hold them, which keeps demand and pay high for those who do.
What is the highest-paying trucking job for someone with no experience?
Walmart’s private fleet pays the most for new drivers, around $87,500 per year on average. For drivers who don’t yet have a CDL, Roehl’s paid training program provides a clear path to $50,000 in year one with strong salary growth as experience builds.
