Where Are the Best Truck Driving Jobs in 2025?
Where truckers should go for better pay, more jobs, and smarter freight lanes.
Author: Ron Baker | Class A Jobs 411
Published: May 2025
Top States for CDL Opportunities Based on Jobs & Pay
🚛 The demand for professional truck drivers is surging across the country — but not all locations offer the same opportunities. If you’re searching for the best place to work as a CDL-A driver, you’ll want to weigh both the volume of jobs and the average annual pay.
We broke down the top states for driver job counts and the best-paying states to help you plan your next move — whether you’re switching companies or relocating for better pay and home time.
📊 Graphic Overview: Best Opportunities for Truck Drivers
🚦 States with the Most CDL-A Job Openings
These states lead the nation in available trucking jobs, thanks to high freight volumes, major logistics hubs, and massive employer demand:
1. Texas
With over 212,000 truckers employed, Texas tops the list. It has more trucking companies than any other state — over 66,000 carriers — and key freight corridors through Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
2. California
Home to the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California employs 130,000+ drivers. It’s also a hot spot for local delivery, intermodal, and reefer runs.
3. Pennsylvania
Nearly 80,000 drivers call PA home, with freight moving in and out of major hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. High demand for local and regional CDL positions.
4. Florida
Florida’s mix of imports, agriculture, and population growth fuels its 77,000+ trucking jobs. Expect solid local delivery and regional reefer opportunities here.
5. Ohio
With 71,000 drivers and a central location for cross-country freight, Ohio remains a reliable market for both OTR and dedicated routes.
💵 States That Pay Truckers the Most
Pay rates vary widely — but these five states offer the highest average salaries for CDL-A drivers in 2025:
1. Alaska
Remote routes and extreme conditions push pay averages over $68,000/year, with some hauling jobs paying $90K+. Hazard pay is common.
2. Massachusetts
Tight road conditions, regulations, and high cost of living translate into strong wages, often exceeding $67,000/year for company drivers.
3. Washington
Major port access and a strong economy keep pay rates high, especially around Seattle and Spokane. Top carriers offer $65K+ base plus incentives.
4. Delaware
Though small, Delaware offers above-average earnings. Regional drivers can clear $60K–$70K/year easily, thanks to dense routing in the Northeast.
5. New Jersey
Its location in the crowded Northeast corridor commands premium pay — especially for drivers willing to work the NYC metro area. Expect $65K+ and union options.
📍 City Hotspots: Where Truckers Are in High Demand
These metros consistently rank in the top tier for driver employment:
Houston, TX – Huge energy and import/export corridor
Chicago, IL – Crossroads of U.S. freight
Atlanta, GA – Distribution capital of the Southeast
Dallas, TX – Local and long haul opportunities
Los Angeles, CA – Major port-to-warehouse operations
🛠️ What Should Drivers Look For Beyond Pay?
Finding the right driving job isn’t just about the paycheck. Consider:
Home Time: Local and regional routes are booming in states like Florida, Texas, and Ohio.
Benefits: Union-backed positions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer health, dental, and retirement packages.
Freight Type: Flatbed and reefer often pay more but require physical labor or flexibility.
Cost of Living: High wages in California or Massachusetts may not stretch far due to housing costs.
👇 Why This Matters for Your Career
Choosing the right market can lead to:
Faster hiring from fleets that are actively expanding
Higher wages and sign-on bonuses
Job security with essential freight companies
Better quality of life with local or regional options
Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned driver looking to relocate, targeting high-opportunity states can make all the difference in 2025.
💸 Specialized Driving Jobs That Pay Big: Fuel Tankers & Food Delivery
Not all CDL-A jobs are created equal — and two types of drivers are making top-tier money in 2025 without necessarily going OTR:
🛢️ Fuel Tanker Drivers
Fuel haulers are some of the highest-paid CDL drivers in the industry. With hazmat and tanker endorsements, these drivers deliver gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel to retail stations or commercial accounts.
Why it pays well:
Hazardous materials endorsement (HAZMAT) required
Strict safety standards and loading protocols
Early-morning or overnight shift work
Delivering to high-traffic zones under time pressure
What you can expect:
💰 $90,000–$120,000/year depending on region and schedule
🔐 Home daily in many metro areas
🏥 Strong benefits, especially with union carriers and major oil companies
🛑 High barrier to entry = less competition
Hot markets: Texas, Florida, California, New Jersey, and Illinois — especially near refineries and ports.
🍞 Food & Beverage Delivery Drivers
CDL-A drivers delivering food, beer, and restaurant supplies can earn excellent income — especially in cities with strong hospitality or grocery chains.
These jobs usually involve:
Touch freight (using dollies, pallet jacks, or hand trucks)
Early morning dispatch and tight delivery windows
Frequent stops — often 12–20+ per day
Top Benefits:
💸 $75,000–$100,000/year base + incentives
🏡 Home daily with set regional routes
🧾 Union pay scales at companies like Sysco, Martin Brower, and Reyes Beverage
🧢 Clothing allowance, new trucks, and driver support
Best regions: Minnesota, Georgia, California, Texas, Pennsylvania — especially near grocery distribution centers and fast food chains.
🧠 Pro Tip:
If you’re physically fit, dependable, and don’t mind working early hours or unloading product, fuel or food delivery roles offer higher-than-average wages with stable schedules and strong benefits.
🔍 Explore More at Class A Jobs 411
We specialize in connecting drivers like you with the best companies hiring in your area — from high-paying reefer lanes to local beer delivery gigs.
🎯 Browse 400K+ driver jobs now at:
👉 www.classajobs411.com
💬 Questions?
