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What is a truck operator and how to become one
Truck Operators are personnel who operate trucks and heavy goods vehicles, including articulated trucks, semi-trailers, and tankers. They are tasked with monitoring goods, loading and unloading them into the truck, and evaluating the condition of the goods. They plan transport operations, prepare transport documentations, and inspect vehicle conditions before starting work. Asides from this, they check tires, fuel, oil filters, and oil levels. Also, they oversee delivery operations, vehicle cleaning, tire maintenance, and refueling. Additionally, they follow established policies and procedures for the startup, shut down, and lockout of the vehicle.
Employers look for applicants with experience operating heavy machinery and a valid driver's license. However, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. To succeed as a truck operator, you need troubleshooting skills, coordination skills, and physical fitness. Truck operators earn $17.03 per hour, making their average annual salary $35,430. This ranges from $24,000 to $52,000.
Avg. Salary $39,608
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%
Asian 3.86%
Black or African American 12.16%
Hispanic or Latino 20.02%
Unknown 4.80%
White 58.33%
Genderfemale 7.78%
male 92.22%
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
Truck Operator career paths
Key steps to become a truck operator
Explore truck operator education requirements
Start to develop specific truck operator skills
Skills 
Percentages CDL 24.09% Industrial Cleaning 6.36% Customer Service 5.49% Bucket Truck 5.25% DOT 5.15% Complete relevant truck operator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New truck operators 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 truck operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real truck operator resumes.Gain additional truck operator certifications
More About CertificationsTruck operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific truck operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for truck operators include OSHA Safety Certificate and Boom Truck Operator (BTO).
Research truck operator duties and responsibilities
- Manage and execute standard operations of a semi-tractor trailer for OTR drop and hook services.
- Possess HAZMAT license endorsement for volatile fuels and CDL.
- Operate container delivery vehicles and transfer station equipment (wheel loaders) and tractor trailer driver.
- Load haul trucks with excavators and front end loaders, excavate pits, ponds and cut roads.
Prepare your truck operator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your truck operator 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 truck operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Truck Operator Resume templates
Build a professional Truck Operator 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 Truck Operator resume.
Apply for truck operator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a truck operator 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 Truck Operator Job
Are you a Truck Operator?
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Average truck operator salary
The average Truck Operator salary in the United States is $39,608 per year or $19 per hour. Truck operator salaries range between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do truck operators rate their job?
Truck Operator reviews
The power off the equipment the finish grade off the work and being safe
Broke down equipment
I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency
I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy
i have experience in that line. it is best line for my future life
i need 8 hours sleep but if i did not like to sleep how i can get fresh for driving
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Updated January 8, 2025
