Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
SOC Code: 53-3032
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers carries a 43% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $57,440 and +4.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 2,235,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 43% AI exposure, Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers sits 6 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 76% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers has ai exposure of 43%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (SOC 53-3032) carries an AI exposure score of 43%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 2,235,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $57,440, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
- 2. Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
- 3. Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- 4. Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
- 5. Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
- 6. Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
- 7. Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
- 8. Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
- 9. Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
- 10. Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Troubleshooting
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Equipment Maintenance
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Mechanical
- Telecommunications
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers has an AI exposure score of 43%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow by 4.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 2,235,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Key skills for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn?
The median annual wage for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $57,440, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
The typical entry-level education for Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).