How much does a Tanker Driver make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Tanker Driver in the United States is $48,000. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $45,300 to $55,500, with most professionals earning between $42,842 and $62,328.

Tanker Driver Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $55,500 $4,625 $1,067 $27
Average $48,000 $4,000 $923 $23
25th Percentile $45,300 $3,775 $871 $22

Average Salary

25% $45,300 10% $42,842 90% $62,328 75% $55,500 $48,000 50%(Median)
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How much does a Tanker Driver make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Tanker Driver salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Tanker Driver is about $48,000 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $23, a monthly salary of about $4,000, and a weekly pay of around $923 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Tanker Driver hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Tanker Driver's Salary?

An entry-level Tanker Driver with less than 1 year of experience earns about $47,113. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $47,597. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $49,903. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $51,694, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $51,918.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Tanker Driver $47,113
Intermediate Level Tanker Driver $47,597
Senior Level Tanker Driver $49,903
Specialist Level Tanker Driver $51,694
Expert Level Tanker Driver $51,918
$47,113 0 yr
$47,597 < 2 yrs
$49,903 2-4 yrs
$51,694 5-8 yrs
$51,918 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 2%
Mid Level 1%
Senior Level 4%
Top Level 8%
Experienced 8%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Tanker Driver vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Tanker Driver is $60,000.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $55,700.
  • In Boston, MA, a Tanker Driver earns $53,600 per year.

What is the salary trend of Tanker Driver?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Tanker Driver compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $48,571 in 2023 to approximately $47,474 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Tanker Driver salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Tanker Driver Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$48,571
2023
$47,474
2024
$46,963
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$48,571
2024
$47,474
2025
$46,963
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Tanker Driver Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $48,571
2024 $47,474
2025 $46,963
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Tanker Driver

Salary.com job board provides millions of Tanker Driver information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Tanker Driver job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 67.1%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.1%
401k/403b 2.8%
Disability 1.3%
Healthcare 11.7%
Pension 3.6%
Time Off 8.3%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $48,000 67.1%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $3,672 5.1%
401K/403B $2,016 2.8%
Disability $960 1.3%
Healthcare $8,352 11.7%
Pension $2,592 3.6%
Time Off $5,908 8.3%
Total Compensation $71,500 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

FAQ about Tanker Driver

1. Is tanker driving a good job?

Tanker driving can be a lucrative career choice. With salaries ranging from a minimum of $49,400 to a mid-level of $54,800, and a maximum of $62,600, it offers competitive pay in the trucking industry. This specialized role often comes with premium mileage rates and comprehensive pay packages, making it an attractive option for drivers.

2. Is it hard driving a tanker?

Driving a tanker can be challenging, especially for beginners. The load shifts with every turn, stop, or lane change, creating a phenomenon known as surge. However, with experience, drivers can manage these challenges effectively. Tanker drivers can expect a salary ranging from $49,400 to $62,600, with a median salary of $54,800.

3. How much do tanker drivers make in the US?

Tanker drivers in the US typically earn between $49,400 and $62,600 annually, with a median salary of around $54,800. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings for this role.

4. How long does a tanker take to unload fuel?

Oil tankers play a crucial role in the Oil and Gas industry, transporting significant volumes of fuel and crude oil. The unloading process can take up to 24 hours, depending on the pump and hose capacity. Tanker drivers, who earn between $49,400 and $62,600 annually, are essential for ensuring efficient operations during this process.

5. What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid job on a ship is often the Tanker Driver, with a salary range that reflects their expertise and responsibilities. The minimum salary for this position is $49,400, the mid-range salary is $54,800, and the maximum salary can reach up to $62,600. This compensation reflects the critical role they play in maritime operations.

6. What is the highest paid driving job?

The highest paid driving job is typically that of a Tanker Driver. According to salary data, the minimum salary for a Tanker Driver is $49,400, the mid-range salary is $54,800, and the maximum salary can reach up to $62,600. This role often requires specialized training and offers competitive compensation.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Tanker Driver is $48,000 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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