The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy, responsible for moving over 72% of the nation’s freight. With over 3.5 million truck drivers on the road, the demand for experienced and reliable truckers remains high. However, not all states offer the same opportunities.
Choosing the best state for trucking jobs depends on several key factors, including job availability, salary, cost of living, and infrastructure. Some states, like Texas and California, have the most trucking jobs, while others, like North Dakota and Alaska, offer the highest wages. Additionally, states with strong trucking regulations and business-friendly policies, such as Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, provide long-term career stability. Find our which states have the most trucker gigs by reading on.
States With the Most Trucking Companies
The number of trucking companies in a state indicates job availability, freight demand, and business-friendly regulations. Below are the states with the highest number of trucking companies:
1. Texas
- Texas has the largest number of trucking companies in the U.S. due to its vast geography, international trade with Mexico, and major cities like Houston and Dallas.
- The state is home to over 66,000 trucking companies, ranging from small businesses to major fleets.
2. California
- With Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, California has one of the largest logistics and freight networks.
- The state is home to over 30,000 trucking companies but has higher regulatory requirements compared to other states.
3. Illinois
- Illinois, especially Chicago, serves as a major logistics hub for freight moving between the East and West Coasts.
- The state has over 22,000 trucking businesses and benefits from its central location in the U.S. transportation network.
4. Florida
- Florida’s economy depends heavily on tourism, imports, and agriculture, creating a strong need for trucking services.
- The state has over 19,000 trucking companies and provides year-round freight demand.
5. Missouri & Kansas
- Missouri and Kansas are at the heart of America’s freight corridor, particularly around Kansas City, a major trucking and rail hub.
- Missouri alone has over 11,000 trucking companies, while Kansas has around 8,000, both benefiting from the I-70 and I-35 corridors.
Best States for Truck Drivers Based on Salary
Truck driver salaries vary significantly by state, based on demand, cost of living, and experience levels. The following states offer the highest average salaries for truck drivers:
1. North Dakota – $54,000/year
- North Dakota ranks #1 for highest average trucking salaries due to the demand from the oil and gas industry.
- Some trucking jobs in the state exceed $70,000 per year for experienced drivers.
2. Alaska – $53,500/year
- Driving in Alaska comes with harsh weather conditions, but truckers are well compensated for it.
- The state’s remote locations create high demand for trucking services.
3. Massachusetts – $50,000/year
- The Northeast region has high freight demand, and Massachusetts offers some of the best salaries in the country.
- Cost of living is higher, but trucking pay is also competitive.
4. Nevada – $49,500/year
- The Las Vegas and Reno metro areas provide strong trucking job opportunities, especially for regional hauls.
- Nevada also has a lower cost of living than California, making it an attractive state for truck drivers.
5. Missouri & Kansas – $47,000-$50,000/year
- Missouri and Kansas offer solid trucking salaries, with drivers earning between $47,000 and $50,000 annually.
- Cost of living is significantly lower than in coastal states, making take-home pay more valuable.
Top 5 States for Trucker Gigs Based on Opportunities & Quality of Life
Choosing the best state for trucking jobs is about more than just salary—it also involves job availability, cost of living, and infrastructure. Here are the top five states overall:
1. Ohio
•Why it’s #1:
• Over 15,000 trucking job openings annually.
• Centrally located with major highways connecting East and West.
• Affordable cost of living.
2. Delaware
•Why it’s great for truckers:
• High salaries (average $70,901).
• Proximity to major shipping hubs (Philadelphia, Baltimore).
• Trucking-friendly policies and tax benefits.
3. Iowa
•Why truckers love Iowa:
• Safe communities with low crime rates.
• Good wages (average $67,723).
• Well-maintained highways with fewer traffic delays.
4. Pennsylvania
•Key advantages:
• Strategic location for East Coast freight.
• Large trucking workforce (80,000+ truckers).
• One of the most tax-friendly states for trucking businesses.
5. Missouri & Kansas
•Why these states made the list:
• Kansas City is a major freight hub, with I-70 and I-35 making it a prime trucking location.
• Lower cost of living than many other states with similar job availability.
• Strong trucking infrastructure supporting both regional and national routes.
Best State to Be a Truck Driver Overall
With so many factors influencing a truck driver’s career, which state is truly the best overall? Taking into account job demand, salary, cost of living, and quality of life, Ohio ranks as the best state to be a truck driver.
Why Ohio is the Best State for Truck Drivers
1.High Job Availability
• Ohio has over 15,000 trucking job openings annually, one of the highest in the country.
• The state is home to major distribution centers and freight hubs that create consistent demand for drivers.
2.Strong Infrastructure & Location
• Ohio is a major trucking corridor that connects the East Coast, Midwest, and South.
• The state has well-maintained highways, truck stops, and logistics centers.
3.Competitive Salaries & Lower Cost of Living
• Truck drivers in Ohio earn an average annual salary of $65,665, with top earners making over $96,000.
• Unlike high-cost states such as California or Massachusetts, Ohio offers affordable housing and lower living expenses, making take-home pay more valuable.
4.Truck-Friendly Policies & Industry Growth
• Ohio has favorable trucking regulations, making it an attractive place for both company drivers and independent owner-operators.
• The state’s growing e-commerce and logistics industries provide long-term job stability.
Honorable Mentions: Other Great States for Truck Drivers
While Ohio tops the list, several other states are excellent options for truckers:
•Texas – Leads in total trucking jobs and business opportunities.
•Missouri – A central freight hub with affordable living costs.
•Pennsylvania – A strong logistics industry with easy access to major markets.
•Iowa – Safe communities and steady trucking demand.
For truck drivers seeking job security, great wages, and a strong industry, Ohio remains the best overall state to work in.
Trucking is Essential in Every State
No matter where you live, trucking is an essential industry that keeps America running. Every state relies on truck drivers to deliver food, medicine, and essential goods. Without truckers, supply chains would break down, and businesses would struggle to get the products they need.
Truck drivers are more than just employees—they are essential workers. Whether you drive in Texas, California, Ohio, Missouri, or Kansas, your job is vital to the economy. The demand for truck drivers continues to grow, and with the right location, you can build a stable, high-paying career in this industry. Learn more about how to become a truck driver. Get started by filling out the form below.
Salary information and employment numbers come from several authoritative sources, including:
1. American Trucking Associations (ATA) – American Trucking Associations provides industry reports on trucking employment and economic impact.
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – BLS Occupational Employment Statistics tracks truck driver salaries and job availability.
3. State Labor and Workforce Agencies – Reports from states like Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania highlight job growth and trucking employment trends.
4. Nationwide Transport Services – Their ranking of the best states for trucking jobs was used for salary insights.
5. Indeed & ZipRecruiter – Online job sites provide real-time salary data based on current job listings.