Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
What is a contract driver and how to become one
A contract driver works on a contractual basis for companies. They may work as delivery drivers, chauffeurs, or truck drivers. Contract drivers safely and efficiently transport goods or people. They may be required to adhere to specific schedules and routes, maintain proper documentation, and follow traffic laws and safety regulations. Contract drivers must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and excellent communication skills. They can also work full-time or part-time roles.
Avg. Salary $34,999
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.84%
Asian 3.97%
Black or African American 13.27%
Hispanic or Latino 18.83%
Unknown 4.86%
White 58.23%
Genderfemale 19.72%
male 80.28%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is intermediate
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being a Contract Driver?
Pros
Potential for higher earnings than traditional employment
No boss or supervisor to answer to
Possibility of working for multiple companies at once
Tax deductions for business expenses
Potential for networking and building relationships with clients
Cons
Must cover expenses such as gas, maintenance, and insurance
Responsibility for taxes and paperwork related to self-employment
Limited opportunities for advancement or career growth
May have to work long hours or during undesirable times (e.g. holidays)
Risk of physical strain from driving and sitting for long periods of time
Contract Driver career paths
Key steps to become a contract driver
Explore contract driver education requirements
Start to develop specific contract driver skills
Skills 
Percentages DOT 25.28% CDL 19.50% Tractor Trailer 16.02% Safety Regulations 7.14% Customer Service 6.64% Complete relevant contract driver training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New contract drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a contract driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real contract driver resumes.Research contract driver duties and responsibilities
- Transport customers of the UBER App.
- Train new employees on CSA regulations.
- Contract cdl driver to fill need manpower.
- Teach drivers complete paperwork and train on CSA.
Prepare your contract driver resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your contract driver resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a contract driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Contract Driver Resume templates
Build a professional Contract Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Contract Driver resume.
Apply for contract driver jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a contract driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Contract Driver Job
Are you a Contract Driver?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average contract driver salary
The average Contract Driver salary in the United States is $34,999 per year or $17 per hour. Contract driver salaries range between $23,000 and $51,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do contract drivers rate their job?
Contract Driver reviews
Flexible hours, you can kind of control your income, even travel to high demand areas (while traveling) to make bigger money. It’s just nice to be able to go almost anywhere and have an opportunity to make money.
The pay, benefits, and low tips.
Cinema
Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope
The flexibility of working as independent contractor and the customer service delivery
Long hours
Updated January 8, 2025
