Highest-Paying Delivery Driver Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of delivery drivers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of delivery drivers:

• Delivery Specialist is the highest-paid type of delivery driver with an average salary of $88,972 and an average hourly rate of $42.77.

• The second highest-paying type of delivery driver is truck driver, with an average salary of $60,326.

• The average delivery driver salary is $38,785 per year, and the average hourly pay is $18.65.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a delivery driver, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of delivery drivers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of delivery drivers:

1. Delivery Specialist

   Average Salary: $88,972

   A delivery specialist is responsible for handling customers’ inquiries and concerns regarding an organization’s goods and services before proceeding with delivery plans. Delivery specialists demonstrate the products’ features and other necessary information before the customers purchase the products. They also coordinate with distribution and warehouse centers to ensure the adequacy of stock to avoid delays and follow shipment details. A delivery specialist should be highly communicative and organizational, especially on updating customers’ information on the database and accurate processing of payments.

2. Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $60,326

   The truck driver transports goods and materials by land from and to manufacturing factories or retail businesses and distribution centers with the use of heavy trucks or tractor-trailers. Truck drivers assist and supervise the safe unloading of cargos to the destination. They must always check their cargo if complete and secured with cables, rope, or other materials. They should keep their truck clean, neat, and inspect prior the trip and ensure to be in good working condition to operate safely. It is very important that they follow with all appropriate safety procedures and comply with federal and state regulations. They must also be knowledgable and comfortable in using maps or GPS to navigate the safest and most efficient routes.

3. Delivery Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $55,563

   A delivery truck driver is primarily responsible for transporting and delivering products to clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with logistics staff, loading and unloading packages, handling and managing documentation, following designated schedules and routes, and maintaining records of deliveries, including the missed ones. There are also instances when a delivery truck driver must accept and process payments, respond to customer calls and inquiries, and prepare progress reports. Furthermore, it is essential to perform maintenance checks on vehicles and abide by all traffic laws for a safe and efficient work environment.

4. Route Driver

   Average Salary: $45,492

   A Route Driver is responsible for delivering and transporting supplies or goods within an allotted time. The tasks will vary upon the organization or industry that a Route Driver works for, however, most of the time, the duties will revolve around picking up and dropping off packages at particular destinations ranging from homes to establishments, and communicating with customers. Furthermore, Route Drivers must keep their vehicles in clean and sound condition, report to supervisors should there be any issue, and adhere to the company policies and regulations at all times.

5. Delivery Expert

   Average Salary: $42,036

   A delivery expert is responsible for delivering different kinds of products or items within a particular area, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. Besides locating and delivering parcels to the receiver, a delivery expert is also responsible for coordinating with logistics staff, maintaining documentation, obtaining signatures, and reaching out to clients to keep them updated or confirm other details. Moreover, a delivery expert conducts regular vehicle maintenance checks and adheres to the traffic laws at all times to ensure a smooth workflow.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various delivery driver that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Delivery Drivers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for delivery drivers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Delivery Driver Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid delivery driver job?

   The highest-paid delivery driver job is a delivery specialist. Delivery Specialists earn an average salary of $88,972, which is $ 42.77 hourly.

   A delivery specialist is responsible for handling customers’ inquiries and concerns regarding an organization’s goods and services before proceeding with delivery plans. Delivery specialists demonstrate the products’ features and other necessary information before the customers purchase the products. They also coordinate with distribution and warehouse centers to ensure the adequacy of stock to avoid delays and follow shipment details. A delivery specialist should be highly communicative and organizational, especially on updating customers’ information on the database and accurate processing of payments.

2. What is a good salary for a delivery driver?

   A good salary for a delivery driver is $38,785 or more. The average delivery driver salary is $38,785, so those making at least $38,785 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average delivery driver salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a delivery driver, the average entry level salary is $31,671, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $38,785 average, as this includes all delivery drivers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Delivery Driver jobs pay well?

   No, delivery driver jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some delivery driver jobs pay better than others, but the average delivery driver salary of $38,785 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many delivery driver jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of delivery drivers earning $38,859 a year on average.

   Delivery Drivers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a delivery driver. Do your research on the going rate for a delivery driver in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do delivery drivers get paid the most?

   Delivery Drivers get paid the most in Illinois. In Illinois, delivery drivers earn an average annual salary of $44,148 and an average hourly wage of $21.23.

   Following IL, the states with the highest-paid delivery drivers are Minnesota, North Dakota, and Vermont, with average annual salaries of $44,858, $49,322, and $44,104 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid delivery driver salaries are:

   1. Boston, MA – $46,026

   2. Saint Paul, MN – $44,809

   3. Chicago, IL – $44,512

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.