March 17, 2025
Truckers fuel the American economy, ensuring goods flow from one coast to another and helping businesses prosper—but the drivers themselves are often less than content. High turnover rates, driven by driver dissatisfaction, disrupt supply chains and impact businesses and consumers. This is, to put it simply, a problem.
Understanding the reasons for this dissatisfaction and addressing them is critical for building a stable and resilient workforce in 2025. Drivers face a wide range of issues—including pay, work-life balance, job security, and workplace culture struggles—and it's crucial for employers to understand these factors to better meet driver needs.
To understand truck driver job satisfaction, we analyzed trucking industry statistics from various third-party sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Based on these findings, we’ve identified several key trends shaping the industry in 2025.
Trends at a glance:
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The numbers paint a clear, if not troubling, picture: While the trucking industry has seen wage growth, it's lagging behind the broader economy. Analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals a widening gap between the average truck driver's earnings and those of workers across all occupations.
From 2019 to 2023, the average truck driver's annual wage climbed from $46,850 to $55,990. This could be considered respectable growth—except the average across all occupations surged from $53,490 to $65,470 in the same period. That's a nearly $3,500 difference in annual growth. This widening gap demands attention from fleets and service centers alike. Compensation must be competitive to attract and retain talent, and the numbers clearly show drivers are falling behind.
Perhaps most telling is that nearly half (46%) of Americans would consider becoming a truck driver if it paid better. This suggests a latent interest in the profession that could be easily tapped with more competitive compensation packages. Salaries must rise to keep pace with other industries and attract the talent needed to keep wheels on the road.
The trucking industry is experiencing a record-breaking number of drivers seeking new employment in a different fleet, with 4 in 10 truckers actively looking for a change. This mass exodus signals a wave of dissatisfaction among drivers, and it should be a wake-up call for the entire industry—especially since we're already in a shortage. Drivers aren't happy, and they're willing to do something about it.
Why the sudden urge to jump ship? Truck drivers have a laundry list of reasons for wanting a change—and predictable pay (81.9%) tops the list. Not far behind are more time at home (65.7%) and consistent miles (49.1%). Drivers want to know they'll be bringing home the bacon and still have time to enjoy it—a relatable sentiment for most professionals.
Another major factor is the stress level of trucking. Long hours on the road, tight deadlines, and unpredictable traffic all contribute to a job ranked "above average" in stress level. And with low flexibility in scheduling and work-life balance, it's no wonder drivers are feeling the pressure. Addressing stress and improving work-life balance are crucial steps toward creating a more sustainable and fulfilling career path for truckers.
I was so happy to get my truck license as it meant an immediate pay increase of 30%. My work-life balance isn’t amazing, but it is not bad… Something that does annoy me about my job is the lack of respect in the industry. During the COVID pandemic, truck drivers were the ‘heroes’ that kept the shops full of food, but as soon as COVID was gone, everybody forgot about us again. I also really hate the lack of driving ability by most of the general public. I also do not like the lack of facilities throughout the country.
– Adam Monaghan, Fleet Fixation
The trucking industry is on the cusp of a massive boom. Revenue is projected to surge to $1.46 trillion by 2035, steadily increasing truck freight volume. While the accompanying 5% increase in truck driving jobs between 2023 and 2033 sounds promising, translating that growth into improved working conditions and job satisfaction is crucial for long-term success.
Roughly 240,300 truck driving jobs are expected to open annually, indicating a continued need for skilled drivers. However, simply filling these positions isn't enough. The industry must prioritize creating attractive and sustainable careers that meet drivers' needs and expectations and address all the reasons drivers look to jump ship listed above.
Despite the challenges—and the number of drivers seeking new employment—there's still a sense of optimism in the industry. A slim majority (51%) of drivers are optimistic about the future, and many prioritize consistent miles (49%) when seeking new opportunities. This suggests that drivers will stay in the industry if conditions improve. By capitalizing on this optimism and proactively addressing driver concerns, the trucking industry can build a brighter future for itself and the drivers who keep it moving.
New research has revealed surprising trends in truck driver job satisfaction when it comes to experience and gender, challenging conventional assumptions.
Unlike most careers where job satisfaction dips mid-career, truckers actually get happier with age. Seasoned drivers with eight or more years on the road report significantly higher job satisfaction (60%) than their younger counterparts, who clock in at 55% satisfaction. If you manage to stick it out for your first decade or so on the road, odds are you're happy with your job and will likely stay that way.
Interestingly, the least happy truckers are those with just one to two years of experience, with a 44% satisfaction rate. In fact, a whopping 76% of these newer drivers are already looking for new jobs.
Similarly, female drivers also report higher job satisfaction than their male counterparts. Data reveals a small but significant gap, with 53% of women expressing contentment compared to 51% of men. This unexpected finding raises the question: Why is this true? What causes women to be happier drivers than men?
One possibility is that women are better at finding jobs with companies that provide supportive work environments. Women may be more discerning in their job searches and seek employers with reputations for fair treatment, reasonable work-life balance, and better benefits packages. This discernment could contribute to higher levels of job satisfaction among female drivers.
The trucking industry presents a paradox: While a slim majority of truckers report feeling happy at work (51%), the sector ranks alarmingly low (in the bottom 10%) in overall job satisfaction compared to other industries. This discrepancy—and rather stark contrast—raises questions about the actual state of driver well-being.
The American Transportation Research Institute shares the many challenges truck drivers face that contribute to this low job satisfaction rate, including economic anxieties, parking shortages, fluctuating fuel costs, and persistent driver shortages. These stressors create a volatile work environment, impacting overall job satisfaction. This is supported by data showing that over 40% of truckers are actively seeking new employment—a record high. And high annual turnover rates across the industry only further indicate a struggle to retain drivers.
But even with these challenges, the resilience of truck drivers is evident. The fact that even a slim majority still report feeling happy in their jobs speaks volumes about their dedication. Addressing the root causes of driver dissatisfaction can help close the gap between happiness and job satisfaction and create a more sustainable future for drivers in the trucking industry.
The trucking industry offers essential jobs that power the economy and have significant job security, but it also presents considerable challenges. When considering the pros and cons of truck driving, demanding work schedules and unpredictable pay can deter talent. Fleet owners must adapt and address concerns about truck driver job satisfaction to retain drivers through the coming trucking boom.
At FinditParts, we offer the heavy-duty truck parts you need to keep your fleet running smoothly and your drivers safe—because a fulfilling career behind the wheel starts with having a dependable truck to drive.
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