Truck driver salary: How much can one earn in India, US, Canada, UK and Dubai?

Trucking business has an enormous role in shaping a country’s present and its future. The economy, the trade, the people – the very core of a nation, is either directly or indirectly impacted by commercial trucks crisscrossing within borders. And often beyond. But how much does the person behind the wheel – the pilot, the commander, stand to make? What is a driver’s salary? What is the salary composition of a truck driver? While it varies from country to country, here is a quick check on truck driver salaries in India, US, Canada and Dubai.

Truck driver salary in India

Driving a truck in India is perhaps like nowhere else. The vast landscape may be rich but is also extremely diverse, presenting challenges galore. From the Himalayan hills and the deserts of Rajasthan to the Western Ghats and the narrow roads of the eastern states, truck driving in India requires skills that are put to the absolute test.

A truck driver salary in India can range from a monthly sum of Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. Those operating high-capacity trucks used in construction business or at ports can even earn as much as Rs 50,000 per month. Long-haul truck drivers with reputed logistics’ companies may even eye a monthly package of Rs 75,000 if vastly experienced. In fact, a truck driver salary in India can be impacted by factors such as experience, vehicle type or even nature of cargo being ferried. In many cases, a truck driver ferrying cars from a factory may be compensated slightly higher than a truck driver in-charge of transporting wheat bags.

Truck driver salary in US

Trucking in the US has its fair share of challenges and opportunities. The United States is one of the largest countries in the world – in terms of landmass, and truck drivers often have to cover enormous distances to deliver goods. While an extensive road network in good condition helps, managing a mammoth cargo vehicle still requires utmost attention at all times.

The minimum wage rule in the US is set at around $7.5 per hour but truck drivers are often paid far more. As per estimations, truck drivers in the US stand to earn as much as $4,000 each month or approximately Rs 3.50 lakh per month.

Truck driver salary in Canada

Driving a truck across Canada brings with it some very unique challenges. Top of the list of challenges is the harsh winter weather in most parts of the country. Licensing requirements may also vary from one province to another. But the views can be absolutely splendid.

Eligible truck drivers in Canada can earn around 3,800 Canadian dollars each month, or approximately Rs 2.40 lakhs per month.

Truck driver salary in the UK

The UK often sees a gap between demand and supply of truck drivers. This means that often, truck drivers are in very high demand. One possible reason is that training to be eligible to drive a truck in the country – tests, licensing etc, can be as high as 3,000 pounds (approximately Rs 3.50 lakhs). But if one does manage to qualify, the pay can be great.

A truck driver in the UK can typically stand to make around 3,000 pounds or approximately Rs 3.50 lakhs per month on the assumption that it is a 40-hour-per-week on-duty job.

Truck driver salary in Dubai

Salaries in Dubai are tax-free so there is clearly massive incentives in being at the helm of a transport vehicle here. But conditions may not always be ideal. Harsh weather, extremely strict penalties for traffic violations and long work hours can prove to test veteran truck drivers.

But the pay can be decent at around 3,500 AED per month or approximately Rs 85,000.

Conclusion

Truck driver salary in India is clearly far less than what it is in countries in the west or even in Dubai. But do note factors such as taxation structures, cost of living, trucking technologies and local policies play a huge role in remuneration strategies.For more articles and news, stay updated with 91trucks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest videos and updates from the automotive world!