Driving Opportunities: Why North Dakota Leads for Truckers
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.
Here’s how the states were ranked for truck drivers:
- Job Availability: They looked at how many trucking jobs were available per 1,000 jobs in each state to see where truckers had the best chances of finding work.
- Industry Demand: This measures how important trucking is to each state’s economy using something called the Location Quotient (LQ). A higher LQ means trucking is a bigger deal in that state.
- Pay: Of course, they also checked how much truck drivers are earning on average. States where truckers make more money naturally score higher.
All these factors were combined into a score out of 100 to see which states offer the best mix of job opportunities, demand, and pay for truck drivers.
Why North Dakota Ranks #1
North Dakota tops the list with a score of 82.77. The state boasts a high demand for truck drivers, especially in industries like oil and agriculture. Truckers can find ample job opportunities, and with an average salary of around $58,680 per year, North Dakota offers both steady work and solid pay, making it the best state for truck drivers.
Here’s the rest of the top 5 states for truck drivers:
- Nebraska – Strong agricultural demand keeps nearly 25,000 drivers employed, earning about $58,680 a year.
- Wyoming – Energy and mining boost demand, with truckers earning the highest average pay on the list at $60,030 annually.
- Arkansas – A key transportation hub with one of the highest concentrations of trucking jobs, offering $51,530 per year.
- Iowa – Agriculture fuels demand, with drivers earning $53,470 on average.
Check out the entire list here.
For North Dakotans, it’s clear the state is leading the pack when it comes to opportunities for truck drivers. With strong industries like oil and agriculture driving demand and offering competitive wages, North Dakota stands out as the best place to build a stable, rewarding career on the road.
Whether you're already driving or thinking about starting, North Dakota’s thriving trucking industry ensures plenty of opportunity and solid pay for those ready to hit the highways.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker