Light Truck Drivers

O*NET 53-3033.00 · SOC 53-3033

Light Truck Driver is a solid career choice. Median pay is $45k a year with +6.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 107,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+6.3%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$45k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
107k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Load and unload packages or goods from a light truck
  • →Plan efficient daily delivery routes using maps or GPS
  • →Obtain customer signatures upon delivery of goods
  • →Conduct pre-trip safety checks on the light truck
  • →Return undelivered items and complete delivery exception reports

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Light Truck Driver roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Light Truck Driver? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Light Truck Driver involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningLoad and unload packages or goods from a light truck
MiddayPlan efficient daily delivery routes using maps or GPS
AfternoonObtain customer signatures upon delivery of goods

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.9
Conventional (Organizers)4.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)2.1
Investigative (Thinkers)1.5
Social (Helpers)1.4
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Light Truck Driver?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTJThe ExecutiveESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Light Truck Driver Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of Light Truck Drivers is projected to grow 6.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

53/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Light Truck Driver make?

The median Light Truck Driver earns $45k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Light Truck Driver jobs?

Our model puts Light Truck Driver at 53 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Light Truck Driver a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 6.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 107,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Light Truck Driver?

Most Light Truck Driver roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Light Truck Driver?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Light Truck Driver career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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