Professional truck-driver compensation continued rising through the freight downturn, according to the American Trucking Associations' 2026 Driver Compensation Study released October 7. The survey draws on data from more than 130 fleets representing over 140,000 employee drivers and 9,000 independent contractors, giving carriers and CDL candidates a broad benchmark across truckload, less-than-truckload and private-fleet operations.
For-hire dry-van carriers reported median annual compensation of $73,639 for irregular-route employee drivers in 2025, an 8.3% increase from the 2023 median for the same category. Dedicated-route dry-van compensation rose 4.2%, and those drivers continued to earn more on average than irregular-route drivers. Linehaul LTL drivers recorded a median of $85,000, while local LTL drivers earned $72,942.
Private-fleet dry-van dedicated drivers earned median compensation above $75,000, with tank and refrigerated drivers earning more. Leased-on independent contractors received median gross compensation above $170,000 at truckload carriers and more than $200,000 at private fleets. Gross contractor revenue is not take-home pay; equipment, fuel, insurance, maintenance and taxes remain the operator's responsibility. The study also found that 74% of surveyed for-hire truckload carriers paid drivers for excessive waiting time.
CDL candidates should compare complete offers, including expected miles, detention pay, benefits, home time, equipment and guaranteed minimums, rather than relying on a single national median. Fleets can use the findings to test whether pay structures remain competitive by route and region. Because the participating carrier sample changed between studies, the percentage increases describe the survey categories and should not be treated as a guaranteed raise for every driver or employer.
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