Truck Driving in Alaska

Alaska highway into the mountains

State Overview

There are over 2,610 drivers in Alaska. The highest paid truck drivers earn $62,080 ($29.85 hourly). The highest paying areas are Railbelt-Southwest Alaska non-metropolitan area with a Median Annual Salary of $53,270, Anchorage ($53,100), and the Southeast Alaska non-metropolitan area ($50,400).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Alaska

GOOD: 

  • The top paying state for truckers
  • Alaska does not have a state income tax
  • Different HOS rules, drivers can drive 15 hours within 20 hours

BAD: 

  • The most dangerous state to drive in. Low visibility and icy roads
  • Being in remote locations, there isn’t much to do on your down time
  • Ridiculously cold in the winter

Truck Driving Tips for Alaska

  • Drive slowly and keep an eye on the road conditions
  • Make sure to bundle up and that you have a way to stay warm in your truck
  • Don’t drive through winter storms, especially in Alaska
  • Many accidents can be prevented by communicating road conditions ahead of you
  • Use your CB radio in the winter to communicate with other drivers

Fellow Truck Drivers in Alaska Say:

“Be Careful – bad road conditions”

Donald L – 4 years driving in Alaska

GOOD
They pay by the hour and not by miles

BAD
Cold weather, being in remote locations, and truck snobs.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Be careful, people can be stupid on the road and the road conditions are often bad.