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Where do dump truck drivers make the most money?
Are you looking for top-paying jobs as a dump truck driver? This guide helps you find the places where you can make the most money. We show you which cities and states pay the best for dump truck drivers in 2025.
Table of Contents
The Big Picture: Dump Truck Driver Pay Across America
Dump truck drivers make good money in the United States. Most drivers earn between $49,052 and $56,000 per year. This breaks down to about $23.03 to $24.43 per hour for most drivers.
Let’s look at what dump truck drivers make across the country:
| Pay Type | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Pay | $14.18 | $23.22 | $33.17 |
| Weekly Pay | $567 | $943 | $1,327 |
| Monthly Pay | $2,290 | $4,088 | $5,743 |
| Yearly Pay | $38,244 | $51,578 | $68,094 |
Best Cities for Dump Truck Drivers
Some cities pay dump truck drivers much more than others. Here are the top-paying cities:
| City | Hourly Pay | Yearly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | $29.95 | $62,296 | 34 drivers reported this pay |
| Kansas City, MO | $27.57 | $57,346 | 49 drivers reported this pay |
| Hamilton, MT | $22-$26 | $45,760-$54,080 | Many full-time jobs |
| Dallas, TX | $24.00 | $50,908 | Pay ranges from $37,747 to $67,208 |
| San Jose, CA | Higher than average | $57,407+ | Tech building boom creates demand |
Top-Paying States for Dump Truck Drivers
Some states pay much better than others. If you’re willing to move, check out these high-paying states:
| State | Average Yearly Pay | Why It Pays Well |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $61,347 | Oil industry and lower living costs |
| Delaware | $61,690 | Construction boom and highway projects |
| Nevada | $63,020 | Mining industry needs dump truck drivers |
| Wyoming | $59,369 | Resource extraction and less competition |
| District of Columbia | $57,407 | Urban development and government contracts |
| California | $56,891 | Construction in major cities |
Dump Truck Driver Salaries: 2025
Average Salaries by State
Average Salaries by City
Average Salaries by Experience
Why Pay Varies So Much
Many things affect how much money dump truck drivers make:
- Location: Cities with big construction projects pay more
- Experience: New drivers make about $16.44-$18.44 per hour, but drivers with 1-4 years experience make $20.24+ per hour
- Industry: Mining and oil field work pays more than regular construction
- City vs. Rural: City jobs usually pay more because living costs are higher
How to Earn More as a Dump Truck Driver
Want to make more money as a dump truck driver? Try these tips:
- Move to a high-paying state like Oklahoma, Delaware, or Nevada
- Gain experience - drivers with more skills earn up to 25% more
- Look for jobs in big cities with lots of building projects
- Consider owner-operator work if you can buy your own tipper truck
- Get special training for hazardous materials or special loads
Comparing Dump Truck Pay to Other Trucking Jobs
How does dump truck driving compare to other truck jobs?
- Dump truck drivers: $51,578-$56,000 yearly
- Regular truck drivers: Similar pay but more time away from home
- Specialty haulers: Can make more with proper training
- Heavy-duty towing truck operators: Often earn more for specialized skills
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Pay
Your pay will grow as you gain experience:
| Experience Level | Hourly Pay | Yearly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (<1 year) | $16.44-$18.44 | $34,195-$38,351 | Starting wages for new drivers |
| Early Career (1-4 yrs) | $20.24+ | $42,099+ | Pay jumps with some experience |
| Mid-Career | $23.22 | $48,297 | National average for most drivers |
| Experienced | $25.00+ | $52,000+ | Top 25% of all drivers |
Best Companies for Dump Truck Drivers
While pay varies by location, some companies pay better than others. Many material handling vehicle companies need good dump truck drivers.
Questions People Ask
Do dump truck drivers make more money in cities or rural areas?
Cities usually pay more. Places like Portland, San Jose, and New York pay the best because they have big building projects and higher costs of living.
Which states have the most jobs for dump truck drivers?
Oklahoma, Delaware, Nevada, Wyoming, and Indiana have lots of jobs for dump truck drivers.
Is it better to work for a company or be an owner-operator?
Owner-operators can make more money but have more costs and risks. Company drivers have steady pay and benefits.
Finding Your Best-Paying Job
To find the best dump truck driver job:
- Check job sites for wages in your area
- Look at big construction companies
- Consider moving to a high-paying state like Oklahoma or Delaware
- Build up your experience to earn more over time
- Look into specialized earth moving dump truck roles that pay more
With the right location and skills, dump truck drivers can earn well above the national average of $51,578-$56,000 per year.
