If you’re a truck driver, where you live can make a huge difference in how many jobs are available and how much you earn. To help figure out the best states for truckers, the researchers from Freight Run dug into the numbers using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They looked at how many trucking jobs are out there, how in-demand truckers are, and what kind of pay you can expect.
Full data available here.
Methodology
To rank the states, three important factors for truck drivers were taken into consideration:
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Job Availability: The researchers checked how many trucking jobs are available for every 1,000 jobs in each state.
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Industry Demand: Using the Location Quotient (LQ), the researchers measured how concentrated trucking jobs are compared to other states. A higher LQ means trucking is more important to that state’s economy.
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Annual Mean Wage: They considered how much truck drivers earn on average in each state, with higher wages making a state more appealing.
Each factor was scored, weighted, and combined to give an overall score out of 100. The states with the highest scores are the ones that offer the best mix of job opportunities, demand, and wages for truck drivers.
Whether you’re thinking about moving or just curious about which states offer the best mix of opportunity and good pay for truck drivers, check out our top 10 list.
Rank |
State |
Final Score |
1 |
North Dakota |
82.77 |
2 |
Nebraska |
77.95 |
3 |
Wyoming |
76.92 |
4 |
Arkansas |
67.05 |
5 |
Iowa |
65.06 |
6 |
New Jersey |
63.03 |
7 |
Indiana |
60.59 |
8 |
Alaska |
59.56 |
9 |
Mississippi |
59.34 |
10 |
Tennessee |
57.46 |
1. North Dakota – 82.77
North Dakota takes the top spot as the best state for truck drivers. With a strong demand in industries like oil and agriculture, truckers are always needed. The state offers great job availability, and drivers enjoy one of the highest average wages, around $58,680 per year. If you’re looking for both steady work and solid pay, North Dakota is a great option.
2. Nebraska – 77.95
Nebraska comes in second with a great balance of job opportunities and good pay. The state employs nearly 25,000 truck drivers, earning an average of $58,680 annually. With its strong agricultural economy, truckers are essential for moving grain and livestock, and the demand for drivers is always high.
3. Wyoming – 76.92
Wyoming ranks third with a high concentration of trucking jobs. Despite its smaller population, industries like energy and mining create strong demand for truck drivers, who earn about $60,030 a year—the highest average wage on this list. If you’re looking for high pay and solid job availability, Wyoming is a top choice.
4. Arkansas – 67.05
Arkansas has one of the highest concentrations of truck-driving jobs in the country. The state’s central location makes it a key transportation hub, providing plenty of job opportunities. Truck drivers in Arkansas earn $51,530 annually, and while the wages are slightly lower, the strong demand for drivers makes it a great place to find consistent work.
5. Iowa – 65.06
Iowa is a prime state for truck drivers, particularly in agriculture. The state offers a good balance of job availability and wages, with drivers earning an average of $53,470 a year. Moving products like corn and soybeans keeps truckers busy, and Iowa’s central Midwest location makes it ideal for trucking.
6. Mississippi – 62.83
Mississippi is a solid choice for truck drivers, especially those looking for stable work in agriculture and manufacturing. The state employs over 25,000 drivers, and they earn an average of $52,760 a year. The strong demand for drivers in Mississippi makes it a reliable place for trucking jobs.
7. Indiana – 61.87
Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America,” and it lives up to that name with plenty of trucking jobs. With nearly 57,000 truck drivers employed, Indiana is a major transportation hub. Truckers earn around $57,710 per year, and the state’s industrial base keeps demand high.
8. Wisconsin – 61.76
Wisconsin is a strong contender for truck drivers, especially in the Midwest. The state employs over 55,000 drivers who make an average of $55,970 annually. The dairy and manufacturing industries drive demand for trucking, offering plenty of job opportunities and solid pay.
9. Tennessee – 61.24
Tennessee offers a good balance of job demand and wages for truck drivers. With over 61,000 truckers on the road, the state plays a major role in manufacturing and distribution. Drivers earn around $55,420 a year, and the state’s central location makes it key for moving goods across the country.
10. Texas – 60.32
Texas rounds out the top 10, with the highest number of truck drivers in the U.S.—over 212,000! The state’s massive size and strong demand for truckers, particularly in oil and agriculture, make it a great place to work. Drivers earn $54,550 annually, and while wages are slightly lower compared to other states, the sheer number of jobs makes Texas a prime destination for truckers looking for steady work.
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