Truck Driving in Washington

Highway in Washington with trees on horizon

State Overview

There are over 11,485 trucking companies in Washington and the industry employs 44,773 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $54,130 ($26.02 hourly). The highest paying areas are Mount Vernon-Anacortes with a Median Annual Salary of $48,340, Tacoma ($47,360), and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($46,750).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Washington

GOOD: 

  • Government contract construction is well paying
  • There are lots of available jobs for local, union jobs
  • Good roads and booming economy. Friendly people

BAD: 

  • Local union jobs require maximum hours of service
  • Seattle area traffic is a nightmare especially I-5
  • Seems like it rains half the year

Truck Driving Tips for Washington

  • Run the I-5, between Everett and Olympia, between 7pm and 5am if you can
  • Make sure your wiper blades are working
  • New drivers will need about 1-2 years of experience OTR or non-union to get a good job
  • Be careful for black ice in the northern parts of the state
  • Drive cautiously in the rain

Fellow Truck Drivers in Washington Say:

“There’s no place like Washington State”

Michael C. – 4 years of experience

GOOD
Good roads, booming economy, high demand of transportation and very friendly people. I drove in other states there is no place like Washington state.

BAD
During the peak hours the road are very busy

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
The job is fantastic, you are by your self making money and enjoying the view, and don’t ask opinions other drivers because everybody have there own opinions, do you own research and you will see why trucking companies are so successful.