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Tanker Truck Driving Jobs: Salary, Benefits & How to Get Started

Looking for a trucking job that pays more and offers specialized routes? Tanker truck driving may be the career move you’ve been waiting for. Whether hauling fuel, chemicals, or bulk liquids, tanker drivers are among the highest-paid drivers in the industry—and demand is strong across the U.S.

This guide breaks down what tanker drivers do, how to qualify, what the average salary looks like, and where to find the best job opportunities in 2025.

What Is a Tanker Truck Driver?

Tanker truck drivers transport liquids or gases—often hazardous materials such as fuel, industrial chemicals, or food-grade liquids like milk or corn syrup. These loads require extra caution due to sloshing, pressure buildup, or flammability, which is why tanker drivers need special endorsements and training beyond a standard CDL.

While it comes with more responsibility, this career also offers higher pay, more respect within the industry, and strong long-term job security.

Benefits of Driving a Tanker Truck

Tanker driving isn’t for everyone—but if you’re detail-oriented, safety-minded, and ready for specialized training, it offers clear advantages:

  • Higher pay rates than standard dry van or flatbed driving
  • More solo work and less loading/unloading labor
  • Opportunity for local, regional, or OTR routes
  • Stronger demand across fuel delivery, agriculture, chemical, and food industries
  • Access to premium benefits and bonuses from companies looking to fill critical roles

Many tanker jobs are home-daily or home-weekly, especially those involving fuel or water delivery in metro or industrial areas.

Average Salary for Tanker Drivers

In 2025, tanker drivers continue to rank among the top-paid in trucking. Here's what you can expect:

  • National average salary: $63,000–$85,000 per year
  • Experienced or hazmat-certified drivers: Up to $100,000+ annually
  • Hourly rate range: $28–$40/hour depending on region and employer
  • Sign-on bonuses: Often range from $2,000 to $10,000

Pay increases with experience, miles driven, and endorsements like Tanker (N) and Hazmat (H) or X (combined).

How to Become a Tanker Truck Driver

Getting into tanker driving starts with a Class A CDL, but you’ll also need to earn your N endorsement (for tank vehicles) and often a Hazmat endorsement (H or X) depending on what you’ll haul.

Here's the typical path:

  1. Earn your Class A CDL through a driving school or employer-sponsored program.
  2. Apply for your N and/or H endorsements—this requires a written test, background check (for hazmat), and TSA clearance.
  3. Train with a carrier or gain entry-level experience in general freight before switching to tankers.

Most companies provide on-the-job training once you're hired, especially for pressurized or hazardous cargo handling.

Companies That Regularly Hire Tanker Drivers

Here are several top employers consistently hiring tanker truck drivers across the country:

  • Schneider – Offers dedicated tanker divisions with regional and OTR options.
  • Trimac Transportation – One of North America’s largest bulk transporters.
  • Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) – Specializes in fuel, chemicals, and food-grade liquid hauling.
  • Pilot Company – Hires local fuel tanker drivers with daily home time.
  • Foodliner / Quest Liner – Focuses on food-grade tanker transport with great training programs.

Search locally using Indeed or Drive My Way to filter jobs based on home time, pay, and required endorsements.

Final Thoughts

Tanker truck driving is a high-responsibility, high-reward career that offers excellent pay, benefits, and advancement opportunities. If you're looking to specialize, boost your income, and work for top-tier carriers, it’s one of the best CDL paths available in 2025.

With the right training, certifications, and mindset, you can launch a stable and rewarding trucking career that keeps you moving—on your own terms.

Sources

Schneider Jobs – https://www.schneiderjobs.com

Trimac Transportation – https://www.trimac.com/careers

Kenan Advantage Group – https://www.thekag.com/careers

Pilot Company Jobs – https://jobs.pilotflyingj.com

Foodliner – https://www.foodliner.com/careers

Drive My Way – https://www.drivemyway.com

Indeed – https://www.indeed.com