Truck Driver vs. Welder: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Truck drivers earn a median of $58,640 a year, while welders earn $53,750 (BLS, May 2025), so truck drivers edge ahead on typical pay and get to work much faster through a few weeks of CDL school. Pick truck driving if you want to start earning quickly and don’t mind time on the road. Pick welding if you’d rather learn a hands-on craft and stack certifications for higher-paying specialty work.
Choosing between a career as a truck driver and a welder is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using current Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Truck Driver vs. Welder at a Glance
| Category | Truck Driver | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,640 | $53,750 |
| Median Hourly | $28.19 | $25.84 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $40,140 | $39,240 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $79,380 | $77,530 |
| Total Employed | 2,062,040 | 416,210 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 4.0% (about as fast as average) | 2.2% (slower than average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 237,600 | 45,600 |
| Typical Training | 3-7 weeks (CDL school) | 7 months to 2 years (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Long-haul routes, regional freight, local delivery, specialized hauling | Fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, pipelines |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS, May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
Truck drivers earn a higher median salary by about $4,890 per year.
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Truck Driver | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $40,140 | $39,240 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $47,960 | $46,790 |
| Median | $58,640 | $53,750 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $69,120 | $63,010 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $79,380 | $77,530 |
Keep in mind that salaries vary by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime opportunities that can push annual earnings well above the median.
Job Outlook and Demand
Truck driver jobs are projected to grow faster (4.0% vs. 2.2%) through 2034.
| Metric | Truck Driver | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 2,062,040 | 416,210 |
| Projected Growth | 4.0% | 2.2% |
| Annual Openings | 237,600 | 45,600 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 237,600 openings per year for truck drivers and 45,600 for welders, both fields offer steady hiring prospects.
Training and Education
Truck Driver: CDL school plus a Class A or B license. Training typically takes 3 to 7 weeks. Key credentials include the CDL Class A or B, a HazMat endorsement, and a tanker endorsement.
Welder: A trade school welding program or on-the-job training. Training typically takes 7 months to 2 years through a trade school or apprenticeship. Key certifications include AWS certifications (such as D1.1), API 1104 for pipeline work, and ASME Section IX for code work.
Both careers require hands-on training, and welders in particular often need to pass certification tests before they can take on certain jobs.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Truck Driver: Truck drivers typically work long-haul routes, regional freight, local delivery, and specialized hauling. Physical demands include long hours seated, loading and unloading freight, and irregular sleep.
Welder: Welders typically work in fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, and pipelines. Physical demands include standing for long periods, exposure to heat and fumes, and heavy lifting.
Career Advancement
Truck Driver: The typical career path goes from OTR driver to regional driver, then owner-operator or driver trainer.
Welder: The typical career path goes from entry-level welder to certified welder, then welding inspector or welding engineer.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced truck drivers and welders often start their own businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose Truck Driver if you:
- Want to start earning within a few weeks of training
- Don’t mind long hours on the road and time away from home
- Prefer independent work without constant supervision
- Like the option to work as an owner-operator down the line
Choose Welder if you:
- Enjoy precision handwork and working with metal
- Want a portable skill that works in many industries (construction, manufacturing, oil and gas)
- Are willing to earn specialty certifications for higher-paying niche work
- Prefer project-based work that lets you see tangible results
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with steady demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about how to become a truck driver
- Learn more about how to become a welder
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is truck driving or welding a better career?
Both are strong career choices. Truck drivers earn a higher median salary by about $4,890 per year, and the job is faster to enter. Truck driver jobs are also projected to grow faster (4.0% vs. 2.2%) through 2034. The right choice depends on which type of work appeals to you more.
Do truck drivers or welders make more money?
Truck drivers earn a median salary of $58,640, while welders earn $53,750 (BLS, May 2025). Top earners in both fields can make over $77,000 per year, with truck drivers reaching $79,380 and welders $77,530.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are accessible with a high school diploma. Truck drivers typically need 3 to 7 weeks of CDL school, while welders need 7 months to 2 years through a trade school or apprenticeship. Neither requires a college degree.
What does entry-level pay look like for each?
Entry-level workers in the bottom 10 percent earn about $40,140 a year as truck drivers and $39,240 a year as welders (BLS, May 2025). Pay climbs with experience, endorsements, and certifications.
Which career has more job openings?
Truck driving has far more openings, about 237,600 a year compared with 45,600 for welding (BLS projections, 2024 to 2034). That reflects the much larger workforce.
Can you switch from truck driving to welding?
Yes. Habits like job-site safety, following instructions, and steady manual work carry over. You would need to complete a welding program and earn certifications such as AWS or API 1104 before doing certified work.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.