Occupational Outlook

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Like many community college programs, the Huntsville Center plays an essential role in the professional development and specialized training of an ever-increasing, diverse, and dynamic workforce.

Quick Facts: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (Source: EMSI)
2020 Median Pay	$45,090 per year $21.68 per hour
Entry-Level Education Requirements	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-Job Training	Short-term on-the-job training
Annual Area Job Openings, 2020	5,563
Area Employment, 2020	41,346
Area Employment Projection, 2029	45,102

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds per gross vehicle weight (GVW). They deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states.

Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow about 9 percent from 2020 to 2029. As the economy grows, the demand for goods will increase, and more truck drivers will be needed to keep supply chains moving. Trucks transport most of the freight in the United States, so as households and businesses increase their spending, the trucking industry will grow.

Job prospects for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are expected to be favorable. Because of to the demanding lifestyle and time spent away from home, many companies have trouble finding qualified long-haul drivers.

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically perform the following job duties:

Load and unload cargo/Drive long distances
Report to a dispatcher any incidents encountered on the road
Follow all applicable traffic laws
Inspect their trailer before and after the trip, and record any defects they find
Keep a log of their activities
Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate personnel
Keep their truck and associated equipment clean and in good working order