Truck drivers are the cornerstone of Canada’s transportation business, which means they are responsible for transporting goods throughout the country. Whether they drive long- distances or are players in the local delivery market, the need to find quality truck drivers remains constant. There is one critical factor that more often than not attracts the attention of possible drivers, depending on what they are willing to be paid by the company. The following article will compare the expected salary of a truck driver in Canada in 2024.
Expected Demand for the Position of the Truck Drivers in Canada
The demand for truck drivers in Canada is very high, and there’s a projected shortage of qualified drivers.
- Current Shortage: Estimates suggest Canada has a shortage of around 20,000 to 23,000 truck drivers.
- An Aging Workforce: Many current truck drivers are nearing retirement age, reducing the overall number of drivers [enginepartscanada.ca].
- Increased Goods Movement: The rise of e-commerce and overall economic activity is driving up demand for goods transportation.
If you are considering a career as a truck driver in Canada, you can expect to be in high demand and have good job prospects.
Average Salaries Paid to Truck Drivers in Canada
Source: Leverageedu
Based on some previous statistics, the average pay scale for a truck driver in Canada in the year 2024 is meant to be within the range of roughly fifty-five thousand to roughly eight zero thousand, that is, fifty-five thousand to eight zero thousand US dollars annually. That is the reason why it is possible to say that the average annual salary of a truck driver in Canada depends on several factors, including the type of driving, the place of work, and the company. Taking this into consideration, it is evident that long-haul drivers earn relatively higher remunerations than local or regional drivers since they cover longer distances and spend considerable durations on the road away from their homes. Here is a breakdown of the average salary range for truck drivers in Canada in 2024:
Long-Haul Truck Drivers
- Long-haul truck drivers in Canada typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.
- Experienced long-haul truck drivers with specialized skills or driving endorsements can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
- Factors such as the type of cargo being transported, the distance traveled, and the number of trips made per month can impact a long-haul driver’s salary.
Local Delivery Truck Drivers
- Local delivery truck drivers in Canada usually earn an average salary between $40,000 and $60,000 per year.
- Drivers who operate within urban areas or metropolitan regions may earn higher salaries due to the often challenging driving conditions and tight delivery schedules.
- Additionally, drivers who work for companies that offer benefits packages and bonuses may see a boost in their overall earnings.
NOC Code: Your Job’s Canadian ID
Imagine a unique ID assigned to every job in Canada. That’s exactly what a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is. It is a 5-digit code that categorizes occupations based on the skills and experience they require.
NOC codes play several important roles:
- Immigration: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses NOC codes to assess eligibility for immigration programs like Express Entry. Jobs with higher NOC skill levels (skill level A, B, or 0) are generally considered more in demand for immigration purposes.
- Job Search: NOC codes can help you find jobs in your field. By searching for jobs with specific NOC codes, you can target opportunities that align with your qualifications.
- Labor Market Analysis: NOC codes help government agencies understand the Canadian labor market. They can see what skills are in demand and identify areas where there might be shortages.
Need to find your NOC code? The official Government of Canada website lets you search for it by job title or code: National Occupational Classification.
The system recently transitioned to a new format (NOC 2021). Make sure you are using the latest version when searching for your code.
Factors Affecting Truck Drivers’ Salaries
Several factors can influence a truck driver’s salary in Canada, including:
Experience
- Drivers with more years of experience typically command higher salaries due to their expertise and skills.
- Experienced drivers may also have access to better-paying job opportunities with reputable companies.
Type of Driving
- The type of driving a truck driver engages in can impact their salary. Long-haul drivers handling cross-country trips usually earn higher salaries than local delivery drivers.
- Specialized driving skills, such as hazardous materials handling or oversized load transportation, can also lead to increased earning potential.
Location
- The province or territory in which a truck driver operates can significantly affect their salary. Provinces with high demand for drivers or those with a higher cost of living may offer higher wages.
- Drivers who operate in remote or challenging terrain may also receive additional pay for their efforts.
Conclusion
The average truck driver income in Canada will still be competitive in 2024, and there will be chances for development and promotion contingent on a number of variables. When assessing their options for employment, prospective truck drivers should take their experience, kind of driving, location, and benefits from the firm into account. Through comprehension of these fundamental components, drivers may make well-informed choices to optimize their income prospects in the always-changing transportation sector.