The Job Market for Truck Drivers in the United States

The truck driving profession plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, with a substantial number of drivers needed to transport goods across the country. Here’s an overview of the current job market and trends for truck drivers.

Current Employment Statistics

• Total Truck Drivers: Approximately 2,192,300 truck drivers are currently employed in the United States.
• Projected Growth: The job market for truck drivers is expected to grow by 4.1% from 2022 to 2032.
• Future Demand: Over the next decade, the U.S. will need an estimated 95,100 new truck drivers. This demand is driven by 89,200 new positions and the retirement of 5,900 existing drivers.

Employability Rating

• Employability: CareerExplorer gives truck drivers a B employability rating, indicating that the profession should offer good employment opportunities in the near future.

Supply of Truck Drivers by State

The distribution of truck drivers varies significantly by state, with the highest concentrations in the following states:

State	Employed Truck Drivers
Texas	182,370
California	137,930
Florida	85,390
Pennsylvania	80,810
Ohio	74,310
Illinois	70,920
Tennessee	60,350
New York	58,870
Georgia	56,450
Michigan	55,560
North Carolina	55,430
Indiana	51,830
Wisconsin	48,400
New Jersey	45,650
Missouri	43,600
Virginia	41,150
Iowa	38,110
Minnesota	35,420
Arkansas	32,640
Washington	32,030
Alabama	30,720
South Carolina	27,610
Nebraska	26,540
Massachusetts	25,790
Kentucky	25,210
Oklahoma	24,680
Maryland	23,640
Utah	23,500
Oregon	23,290
Arizona	23,030
Mississippi	22,570
Colorado	21,990
Louisiana	21,190
Kansas	20,410
Connecticut	12,940
Idaho	11,810
Nevada	11,630
West Virginia	11,010
North Dakota	11,000
New Mexico	9,940
Maine	8,800
Puerto Rico	8,130
South Dakota	7,820
Montana	6,420
New Hampshire	6,320
Wyoming	5,910
Delaware	4,110
Vermont	3,370
Hawaii	3,290
Rhode Island	3,220
Alaska	2,640
District of Columbia	510
Guam	280
Virgin Islands, U.S.	260

Key Takeaways

• The truck driver job market is robust, with a projected growth rate of 4.1% over the next decade.
• Employability is rated positively, suggesting favorable job prospects for those entering the field.
• Texas, California, and Florida are the states with the highest number of employed truck drivers, highlighting regional demand for this occupation.

This landscape presents a promising opportunity for individuals considering a career as a truck driver, particularly given the ongoing demand and the potential for stable employment.