Light Truck Drivers
SOC code 53-3033 · O*NET-SOC 53-3033.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation
Light truck drivers do local delivery and service routes — parcels, parts, furniture, food — usually home every night. A standard licence covers most vehicles, which keeps entry quick, though a clean driving record is essential. The boom in delivery has kept demand strong.
Light Truck Drivers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$44,860
a year
Hourly
$21.57
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$48,770
$23.45 per hour
Middle 50%
$37,270 – $52,310
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$30,800 – $80,310
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
983,300
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $30,800
- $14.81/hr
- 25th percentile
- $37,270
- $17.92/hr
- Median percentile
- $44,860
- $21.57/hr
- 75th percentile
- $52,310
- $25.15/hr
- 90th percentile
- $80,310
- $38.61/hr
What does a light truck driver do?
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
- Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
- Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
- 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.
- Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
- Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
- Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
- Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
How to become a light truck driver
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 74% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)74%
- Less than a High School Diploma25%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%
- Some College Courses0%
Common questions
How much does a light truck driver earn?
The national median is $44,860 a year. The full range runs from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $80,310 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a light truck driver without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Writing2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language3.8/5
- Transportation3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Public Safety and Security2.9/5
- Administrative2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation.