What Is the Average Annual Income of Dry Van Trailer Drivers? (2025 Outlook)
Dry van trailer drivers play a critical role in freight logistics, hauling general freight across regional, national, and international routes. As demand for e-commerce and long-distance shipping continues to rise, many people are asking: how much do dry van trailer drivers actually earn per year? This article breaks down the average annual income, salary ranges, and key factors that influence pay in 2025.
Average Annual Income for Dry Van Trailer Drivers in the United States
According to recent salary data, the average annual income for dry van truck drivers is approximately:
💼 $81,193 per year
This figure represents a national average income for dry van drivers, with a typical range from about $68,640 to $111,800 depending on experience, location, and employer. (From TruckersReport.com)
Breakdown highlights include:
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Weekly pay: around $1,561 on average
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Top-paying states: South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, and North Dakota (rank among the highest average salaries)
Salary Range and What It Means
Dry van driver pay varies widely based on skills, distance driven, and job structure:
📍 Typical salary bands:
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Lower end: ~$68,000 per year
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Average: ~$81,000 per year
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High end: up to ~$111,000+ per year
This range reflects differences in:
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Hours on the road
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Regional wage differences
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Company pay policies
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Experience level
Alternative Data Sources and Comparison
Other salary data sources offer slightly different perspectives:
📊 Salary.com – Trailer Truck Driver (All Types)
Across all trailer types, the average salary:
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$63,805 per year with a typical range from $56,153 to $77,460(From Salary.com)
This broader category includes general trailer drivers, not limited to dry van specialists.
📈 Range by Job Posting Platforms
Recent job ads also show that top dry van drivers can earn around:
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$82,000–$86,000 per year on dedicated or over-the-road contracts. (From Schneider Jobs)
What Influences Dry Van Trailer Driver Income?
Several key factors affect how much a dry van driver earns:
1. Experience and Seniority
Drivers with several years of experience typically earn more than beginners.
Entry-level pay may start lower (~$55,000–$65,000), while experienced OTR drivers can exceed the average. (From The real Trucker)
2. Route Type
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Local or regional drivers: often earn near the national average
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Over-the-Road (OTR) drivers: tend to earn more due to higher mileage
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Dedicated lanes: can offer predictable schedules and bonuses
3. Location
State wage differences are significant. Some inland states may pay higher than coastal or urban markets.
Weekly and Hourly Pay Estimates
Most dry van drivers are paid by mile, hourly, or weekly wage structure:
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Weekly average: ~$1,500+ for many experienced drivers
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Hourly pay (industry average): around $23.50/hr (~$60,000/year estimate) according to job boards. (From Truck Drivers USA)
Drivers may also receive performance bonuses, safety incentives, or per-diem compensation.
How Dry Van Income Compares to Other Trucking Jobs
| Driver Type | Average Annual Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van Driver | ~$77,000–$81,000+ | Most common freight type |
| Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver | ~$74,000 | Slightly lower than dry van |
| Flatbed Driver | ~$66,000 | Often physically demanding |
| Fuel/Tanker Driver | ~$90,000 | Hazard endorsements often pay more |
Note: These figures can vary based on region and employer. (From altLINE)
Tips to Increase Your Income as a Dry Van Driver
If you want to earn above the average, consider:
✔ Gaining experience
More years and clean safety records often qualify for higher pay.
✔ Choosing high-pay lanes
Long-haul or dedicated contracts can pay better.
✔ Earning endorsements
Hazmat, tanker, and doubles endorsements often increase earning potential.
✔ Negotiating pay structure
Per-mile rates, performance bonuses, and fuel surcharge agreements can boost overall income.
Conclusion
The average annual income of a dry van trailer driver in the United States is around $81,193 per year, with a broad range influenced by experience, route type, and regional pay scales. Drivers who build experience, acquire specialized skills, and choose high-paying routes typically earn more, while newcomers may initially earn below the average. Understanding these trends can help aspiring drivers plan their careers effectively in the competitive trucking industry.