Truck driver pay
What you need to know about truck driver pay
Pay is an important aspect of any job and it’s one of the many ways we reward drivers’ hard work at Schneider. However, this can get confusing when you consider all the components that can affect your overall pay as a truck driver. Use this page as your starting point for understanding Schneider’s truck driver pay or visit our job search to research specific pay for specific jobs in your area.
How much do truck drivers make at Schneider?
Whatever type of pay package your driving job features, you have the potential to earn well above the industry average on your W-2 and earn great benefits.
- $49,920 – The average industry-wide driver wage for all experience levels (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- $61,864 – The average first-year Schneider truck driver pay (figures throughout this page based on this example).
- $130,000 – The average annual earnings for Schneider’s top drivers.
Full breakdown of truck driver pay
Pay starting off
- Paid CDL training options – If you already went to truck driving school and graduated within the last year, you may be able to take advantage of Schneider’s tuition reimbursement offerings. If you haven’t earned a CDL yet, check out Schneider’s CDL Apprenticeship Training.
- Paid orientation – Students receive compensation during orientation, and Schneider provides transportation to orientation and lodging during orientation, if applicable, as well as most meals.
Pay your first 3-6 months on the job
- 70-80% earnings capability – It takes a few months to adjust to life on the road, so don’t judge your career decision by your first couple paychecks.
Pay the last half of your first year
- Increasing experience and pay – Your efficiency will improve as you gain more driving experience. As your efficiency reaches 100%, you can expect your paychecks to grow.
Pay beyond your first year
- Keep growing your career – As you continue to gain experience, you’ll quickly climb the pay ladder — with automatic annual increases, regular pay package upgrades and expanding career paths.
How do truck drivers get paid?
Truck driver pay can be broken up many different ways and depends on the type of truck driving job you choose. The following are the most common elements in Schneider’s truck driver pay packages:
Base pay methods.
- Line 3/Driving – This is represented as a cents per mile or an hourly rate.
- Line 4/On Duty – This is represented as an hourly rate for time spent while on duty, not driving.
- Shipment/Load Pay – This is applicable to some positions and is provided to drivers for each load hauled as a set rate.
Performance pay and bonuses.
- Weekly performance pay.
- Annual bonuses.
- Longevity bonuses.
- Sign-on bonuses.
- Referral bonuses – Unlimited referral potential. Up to $750 per driver you refer to Schneider.
The most overlooked compensation considerations.
- Benefits package – Medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with match.
- Growth opportunities – Grow in your current role, transfer to a different opportunity or move into a training position.
- Company perks – Tuition reimbursement, group discounts and facility network with free parking, laundry, showers, exercise rooms and more.
Schneider’s truck driver pay highlights
- An elite overall compensation package – We review our pay, benefits and other perks weekly to ensure our pay package is highly competitive.
- Job-specific pay plus performance pay – We have literally hundreds of different driver pay packages — not to confuse you, but so we pay every driver for the unique work they do, plus we offer performance pay to reward those who do it well.
- Rewarding experience and longevity – First year truck driver pay is different than experienced driver pay. That’s because the longer you’ve been driving, the more you can earn. Plus, long-time Schneider drivers enjoy rewards from our driver loyalty program, including exclusive membership in our Advantage Club.