The increase applies to OTR 21-day drivers, raising per-mile earnings, while the updated starting range outlines what new drivers can expect entering the fleet.

Starting Pay and Top Earnings Snapshot

Starting pay ranges from 64 to 69 cents per mile. The company’s reported $101,000 average for its top half of drivers reflects current earnings among experienced drivers running consistent miles.

Crete said it is looking for safe, motivated drivers.

How to Apply

To apply or learn more, visit cretecarrier.com or call pound 250 and use the keyword “CITE” to connect with a recruiter.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Source & Image Source: Crete Carrier

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Top Earning Cities in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle, WA, leads as the top-paying city for truck drivers in the region, with average annual salaries around $56,891 and top earners reaching up to $75,107. Surrounding cities like Bellevue, Renton, Everett, and Tacoma also offer competitive pay in the mid-$50,000 range. Other notable cities include Bremerton, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, and Kent, each providing solid trucking wages thanks to active freight corridors and proximity to port facilities.​

Why These Cities Pay More

Seattle’s major port operations and dense urban industries drive freight volumes that support higher rates for owner-operators. The region’s higher cost of living also leads to wages adjusting upward to attract experienced drivers, while busy trade routes connect local routes with national and international shipping lanes. These factors combine to create a competitive trucking job market that prioritizes skilled owner-operators.

How Owner-Operators Can Maximize Earnings

Specializing in freight types like refrigerated goods, construction materials, or time-sensitive local deliveries can give owner-operators an edge. Understanding regional regulations, including Washington state’s fuel taxes and emissions standards, is crucial to avoiding costly penalties. Building relationships with reliable freight brokers and carriers can create consistent load opportunities and reduce deadhead miles.

Maintain Your Investment for Peak Performance

Regular maintenance suited to the variable climate and terrain of the Pacific Northwest helps avoid breakdowns and keeps owner-operators on the road. Knowledge of logistics hubs and weigh stations in cities like Seattle and Tacoma enables smoother route planning and compliance, saving valuable time and resources.

The Pacific Northwest’s top-paying cities offer truck owner-operators strong earning potential, but success takes more than just location. Those who focus on specialized freight, stay up to date with local rules, and nurture solid broker partnerships unlock opportunities for higher, steadier income. Treat your truck as a business asset through smart planning and local expertise—this approach puts you in the best position to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Tracking market changes and adapting your routes and strategies regularly helps maximize pay. In this regional economy, informed decisions and efficient operations distinguish the most successful owner-operators.

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Earnings in the Trucking Industry:

Before diving into the top-paying trucking jobs, it’s important to understand the average earnings of a truck driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical truck driver earned slightly over $52,000 annually, as of 2021; however, various sources focusing on industry wages suggest that the average income is closer to $60,000. It’s worth noting that these figures primarily reflect company drivers, and that owner-operators have a distinct compensation structure.

In general, dry van drivers fall within the average income range, with beginners earning less than seasoned drivers. Salaries for newcomers usually start at approximately $44,000, while experienced drivers can earn upwards of $83,000. Of course, these figures can vary depending on factors such as experience, the complexity of the job, risk, and the locations drivers are required to cover.

Keep reading to learn about the top five highest paying jobs in trucking this year.

Ice Road Truck Driver
Salary: $80,000

Ice road truck driving has become one of the most unique and widely recognized trucking jobs, thanks to the popular TV show “Ice Road Truckers.” These drivers undertake the challenging task of transporting loads during the limited period when ice roads form over frozen bodies of water in extreme northern climates. The season is brief, typically lasting around two months, and the average salary hovers at approximately $80,000 for these intense weeks of work. Ice Road Truck Drivers often use the rest of the year to pursue more conventional employment if they choose to do so.

Hazmat Truck Driver
Salary: $93,000

Hauling hazardous materials is a specialized and high-stakes job that demands exceptional skills. Hazmat truck drivers must excel in all aspects, from driving to unloading, while strictly adhering to health and safety regulations. To transport dangerous or toxic materials, these drivers need specialized endorsements on top of their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Hazmat truck drivers can expect an annual salary of approximately $93,000.

Oversized Load Truck Driver
Salary: $75,000

Truck drivers who handle oversized loads have to be licensed and trained to transport items exceeding 8.5 feet in width. In cases where loads are over 12 feet wide, additional support is required, including pilot vehicles for traffic control and guidance in navigating challenging turns. While salaries for oversized-load truck drivers may be reported as particularly high, a reasonable expectation is around $75,000.

Mining Truck Driver
Salary: $60,000+

Mining truck drivers operate in distinctive settings, often far from urban areas and highways. They work with heavy equipment to transport materials related to mining and extraction, navigating open mines and mining roads rather than traditional highways. These positions, prevalent in regions like northern Canada and Alaska, may involve extended stays away from home. A typical salary for mining truck drivers is around $60,000 or more, with accommodations and travel expenses often covered due to remote work locations.

Logging Truck Drivers
Salary: $70,000 – $90,000

Logging truck drivers play a crucial role in transporting timber from forests to mills or storage yards. This job necessitates a strong focus on truck safety and load security. Drivers may occasionally need to use equipment for loading and unloading logs and navigate logging roads, rough terrain, and highways. Earnings for logging truck drivers typically range between $70,000 and $90,000 or even more.

The trucking industry offers a diverse range of career paths, each with its unique rewards and earning potential. As a trucker, investing in acquiring new skills and maintaining a clean driving record can lead to significant financial and professional growth. Whether you’re inclined toward the high-adventure world of ice road trucking or find fulfillment in safely transporting hazardous materials, there’s something for everyone on the road to success in the trucking industry. Explore your options, strive for excellence, and watch your trucking career flourish.

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