People who enjoy driving may pursue careers in the trucking industry. Motor vehicle enthusiasts may also be interested in working in this field. Standard skill requirements include good vision and hearing. If you have these interests and skills, you may want to consider a career in trucking or a related automotive field. Let’s look at different trucking and automotive repair careers.
Concrete Mixer Drivers
Concrete mixer drivers mix concrete, transport the concrete to work sites, and pour the concrete. They’re truck drivers and construction professionals who must mix the concrete correctly and work with site supervisors when pouring concrete. Concrete mixer drivers work for concrete suppliers. As a ready mix concrete supplier in Flushing, NY, concrete mixer drivers may mix, deliver, and pour various types of concrete, such as high-strength, tri-blend, and lightweight concrete. They work on various commercial projects such as constructing pools, parking garages, parks, tennis courts, and buildings.
Concrete mixer drivers earned a median hourly rate of $24 in 2021. Concrete mixer drivers may earn more if they earn certifications.
Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
According to a leading Adelaide Taxi Truck lender tractor-trailer truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate vehicles and cargo weighing more than 26,000 pounds. They deliver commercial products and may travel out of state. These truck drivers are responsible for securing their cargo, performing vehicle inspections, and maintaining logs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers will increase by six percent between 2020 and 2030. Salary.com reports that these trucking professionals earned median hourly rates of $26 in 2021.
Light Truck Drivers
Light truck drivers are also called delivery drivers. The primary distinction between light truck drivers and tractor-trailer truck drivers concerns the vehicle and load size. The vehicles and cargo light truck drivers transport must weigh 26,000 pounds or less. Like tractor-trailer truck drivers, light truck drivers need good vision and hand-eye coordination.
In 2021, Salary.com reported light truck drivers took home a median wage of $20 per hour. Light truck drivers can launch their careers with a regular driver’s license.
Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Passenger vehicle drivers include bus, taxi, limo, and Uber drivers. Bus drivers may transport people within a limited geographic area, such as school bus drivers or city bus drivers. Some bus drivers take people to different cities, states, or countries. Bus drivers must have a CDL.
Taxi, limo, and Uber drivers typically transport passengers within a limited geographic region. These drivers don’t need a CDL, but they must have a regular driver’s license. Employers typically require passenger vehicle drivers to maintain a clean driving record.
Per Salary.com, the median hourly pay for taxi and Uber drivers was $18 in 2021, while the median rate for limo drivers was $17 per hour. Salary.com also reported that bus drivers earned median incomes of $20 per hour the same year.
Automotive and Diesel Technicians
Automotive technicians can complete a certificate or degree program at an automotive school in Jamaica, NY, to prepare for a career working on passenger vehicles. Diesel technicians can also prepare for their careers by earning certificates or associate degrees. Diesel service technicians work on vehicles with a diesel engine. Automotive and diesel service technicians repair automotive components and systems, including engines, breaks, and steering systems.
Salary.com reports that the median pay rate for automotive techs was $20 per hour in 2021. In the same year, Salary.com reports diesel techs earned median hourly rates of $29.
There are many career opportunities in the trucking industry. You could consider becoming a tractor-trailer, passenger vehicle, or light truck driver. You could also consider a career as an automotive or diesel technician.