Tennessee Trucking Association Presents

The trucking industry is a crucial part in our everyday lives. From clothing to food to medical supplies, careers in trucking make the world go round. According to ATRI, one in 12 jobs in Tennessee, or 208,200 jobs, are in the trucking industry today and while truck drivers are essential, you do not need to be on the road to have a great career path in the trucking industry.

Click to Learn More About Each Career

The career options in the transportation sector are extensive and wide-ranging including jobs from Human Resources to Security. Whether it’s scheduling shipments, implementing safety protocols, or tracking expenses, there are many different roles available for those interested in working in trucking.

To learn more, keep reading or click on a career to explore salaries and job descriptions.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Accountant

Mean Salary: $72,600 per year or $34.90/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, knowledge of accounting principles and software, attention to detail.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 1,449,800

Job Outlook: 6% (As fast as average)

Job Description: Accountants in the trucking industry handle financial transactions, maintain records, prepare financial statements, manage budgets, and provide financial analysis and advice.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

CDL Instructor

Mean Salary: $51,752 per year.*

Qualifications: Valid commercial driver's license (CDL), teaching certification or experience, knowledge of CDL regulations and driving techniques. It typically takes 2-4 years of experience to become an instructor.

Job Outlook: The demand for CDL instructors is driven by the need for qualified trainers to prepare new drivers.

Job Description: CDL instructors provide classroom and on-road training to aspiring truck drivers, teaching driving techniques, safety regulations, and essential skills for obtaining a CDL.

*Zippa.com

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week.

Customer Service

Representative

Mean Salary: $44,250 or $21.27/hour

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of logistics and transportation operations.

Job Outlook: Customer service representatives are essential for smooth operations and effective communication in the trucking industry, ensuring steady job opportunities.

Job Description: Customer service representatives sport various aspects of trucking operations, such as load coordination, scheduling, documentation, and communication with drivers, dispatchers, and customers.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Diesel Tech

Mean Salary: $48,550 per year or $23.34/hr.

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a diesel technician program, and relevant certifications.

Job Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)

Number of Jobs, 2021: 293,200

Job Description: Diesel technicians inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and vehicles. They perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and use diagnostic tools to identify problems.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Dispatcher

Mean Salary: $52,060 per year or $25.03/hour

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, knowledge of transportation operations and regulations.

Number of Jobs: 40,670

Job Description: Dispatchers schedule and coordinate the movement of trucks and drivers, maintain communication with drivers, track deliveries, and handle any issues that may arise during transportation.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Human Resources

Mean Salary: $61,570 per year or $29.60/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field, knowledge of HR principles and practices, strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Number of Jobs 2021: 782,800

Job Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)

Job Description: HR professionals in the trucking industry handle various HR functions, including recruitment, employee onboarding, performance management, benefits administration, and employee relations.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Insurance

Media Salary: $74,510/year or 35.82/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in insurance or related field, knowledge of insurance policies and regulations, strong analytical and negotiation skills.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 523,200

Job Outlook: 6% (As fast as average)

Job Description: Insurance professionals in the trucking industry handle insurance policies, assess risks, process claims, negotiate coverage terms, and ensure compliance with insurance regulations.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Computer Occupations

Mean Salary: $76,370/per year or $36.71/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS), database management, and programming languages.

Job Description: IT professionals in the trucking industry handle system maintenance, troubleshoot technical issues, develop software solutions, and ensure data security and privacy.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Legal

Salary: $82,430 per year.*

Qualifications: Juris Doctor (JD) degree, knowledge of transportation and labor laws, experience in contract negotiation and legal compliance.

Number of Jobs: 110,000/year

Job Outlook: 10% growth

Job Description: Legal professionals in the trucking industry provide legal advice, review contracts, handle disputes, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and represent the company in legal matters.

*Source

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Marketing

Median Salary: $133,380 per year or $64.12/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field, knowledge of digital marketing strategies, strong communication, and creative skills.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 347,000

Job Outlook: 10%

Job Description: Marketing professionals develop marketing strategies, create advertising campaigns, manage digital and traditional marketing channels, conduct market research, and enhance the company's brand image.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Secretary & Administration

Mean Salary: $40,200/per year or 19.33/hr

Qualifications: High school graduates who are comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet programs usually qualify for entry-level positions. Although workers typically learn their duties over several weeks on the job, legal and medical secretaries and administrative assistants may need additional training for industry-specific terminology.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 3,413,600

Job Outlook: 8%

Job Description: Secretaries and administrative assistants do routine clerical and organizational tasks.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Payroll Clerks

Median Salary: $41,602/year or $20.00/hr*

Qualifications: High School or Bachelor's degree in the related field.

Job Description: Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees’ time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

Zippa.com

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Recruiter

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field, recruitment experience, knowledge of sourcing strategies and interviewing techniques.

Job Outlook: Recruiters play a vital role in attracting and hiring qualified drivers and other professionals, ensuring a positive job outlook.

Job Description: Recruiters in the trucking industry source and screen candidates, conduct interviews, manage recruitment processes, and collaborate with hiring managers to meet staffing needs.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Operations

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business or related field, knowledge of logistics and transportation operations, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job Outlook: Operations professionals are essential for optimizing transportation efficiency and meeting customer demands, leading to favorable job prospects.

Job Description: Operations professionals oversee and manage various aspects of trucking operations, including routing, scheduling, load planning, driver coordination, and ensuring efficient use of resources.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Occupational Safety

Mean Salary: $74,870 per year or $36.00/hr

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, experience in safety management, knowledge of relevant regulations and standards.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 132,400

Job Outlook: 5% (As fast as average)

Job Description: Safety professionals in the trucking industry ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct training programs, investigate incidents, and implement safety policies and procedures.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Sales

Mean Salary: $74,510 or $35.82/hr.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business or related field, excellent communication and negotiation skills, ability to build and maintain client relationships.

Number of Jobs: 1.9 million openings each year.

Job Outlook: The sales function in the trucking industry remains crucial for acquiring new customers, expanding market share, and driving revenue growth, ensuring favorable job prospects.

Job Description: Sales professionals in the trucking industry identify and pursue new business opportunities, build relationships with customers, negotiate contracts and pricing, provide solutions tailored to client needs, and meet sales targets. They collaborate with other departments to ensure customer satisfaction and contribute to the company's growth and profitability.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Security

Mean Salary: $42,770

Qualifications: Relevant security certifications or training, knowledge of security protocols and risk management, strong observation and problem-solving skills.

Job Description: Security professionals in the trucking industry implement security measures, monitor facilities and operations, conduct investigations, handle access control, and ensure the safety of personnel and cargo.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Shipping & Receiving

Mean Salary: $42,470/ year or $20.42/hr

Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, supervisory experience in shipping and receiving, knowledge of inventory management and logistics.

Job Outlook: Shipping and receiving supervisors are crucial for efficient warehouse operations, leading to steady job opportunities in the trucking industry.

Job Description: Shipping and receiving supervisors oversee warehouse operations, manage inventory, coordinate shipments, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and supervise a team of warehouse workers.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Truck Driver

Mean Salary: $54,850 per year or $26.37/hr.

Qualifications: Valid commercial driver's license (CDL), clean driving record, good physical health, and age requirements.

Number of Jobs, 2021: 2,094,700

Job Outlook: 4% As fast as average

Job Description: Truck drivers transport goods and materials from one location to another using commercial vehicles. They adhere to safety regulations, maintain records, and ensure timely delivery.

**Salaries based on a 40-hour work week. All data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.