Light truck drivers
SOC Code: 53-3033
Light truck drivers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,140 and +7.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,079,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 36% AI exposure, Light truck drivers sits 1 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 58% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Light 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.
Light truck drivers has ai exposure of 36%. 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.
Light truck drivers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Light 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
Light truck drivers (SOC 53-3033) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium 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 below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,079,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $44,140, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Light 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
Light 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. Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
- 2. Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
- 3. Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
- 4. Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
- 5. Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
- 6. Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
- 7. Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
- 8. Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
- 9. Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
- 10. Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Light truck drivers?
Light truck drivers has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Light truck drivers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Light truck drivers is projected to grow by 7.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,079,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Light truck drivers?
Key skills for Light truck drivers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Light truck drivers earn?
The median annual wage for Light truck drivers is $44,140, 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 Light truck drivers?
The typical entry-level education for Light truck drivers is High school diploma or equivalent. 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 Light truck drivers?
Light 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
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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).