Truck driving continues to be one of the most essential professions in the United States. With over 3.5 million truck drivers keeping America’s supply chain moving, choosing the right place to live and work can significantly impact your income, lifestyle, and overall career satisfaction.

If you’re wondering about the best states for truck drivers in 2025, this guide breaks down the highest-paying states, trucker-friendly regions, and places where truck drivers can thrive both personally and professionally.

Why Location Matters for Truck Drivers

Not all states are created equal when it comes to trucking. Some states offer:

• Higher salaries and more freight demand.

• Lower cost of living making take-home pay more valuable.

• Trucker-friendly regulations and better infrastructure.

• Opportunities for owner-operators to grow their business.

At the same time, some areas are known as the worst states for truck drivers, with high fuel costs, heavy regulations, or limited freight demand. Choosing wisely can make a huge difference in your career.

The Highest Paying States for Truck Drivers in 2025

According to recent trucking industry salary reports, here are the best paying states for truck drivers this year:

1. Alaska

• Average Pay: $63,000- $75,000 annually.

• Alaska continues to top the charts as one of the highest paying states for truck drivers. However, the challenging weather conditions and long, isolated routes mean this isn’t for everyone.

2. North Dakota

• Average Pay: $60,000- $70,000.

• Thanks to the oil and gas industry, North Dakota remains one of the best states for owner-operators and OTR drivers. Freight demand is steady, and drivers earn significantly above average.

3. Nevada

• Average Pay: $58,000- $68,000.

• Nevada is considered a trucker-friendly state with high-paying regional routes, especially around Las Vegas and Reno. The state’s central location makes it ideal for long-haul connections.

4. Texas

• Average Pay: $55,000- $65,000.

• Texas has one of the largest trucking workforces in the country. With major freight hubs like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, it’s one of the best states for truck driving jobs.

5. California

• Average Pay: $55,000- $65,000.

• As the state with some of the busiest ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland), California is a prime location for freight movement. However, stricter regulations and higher fuel costs make it less attractive for some drivers.

Best States for Truck Drivers to Live in 2025

A high salary doesn’t always mean a better life. The best state for truck drivers to live also depends on cost of living, lifestyle, and available amenities.

• Texas: Affordable housing, no state income tax, and huge freight demand.

• Florida: Mild weather year-round and plenty of local/regional routes.

• Tennessee: Low cost of living, central location, and growing logistics industry.

• Missouri: Affordable living, good freight opportunities, and Midwest convenience.

• Ohio: Major trucking hub with access to multiple states and reasonable costs.

These states balance good pay with quality of life, making them strong choices for truck drivers and their families.

Best States for Owner-Operators

If you’re running your own trucking business, some states are more profitable than others due to lower costs and higher freight availability.

• Texas Strong demand, central location, and good infrastructure.

• Georgia Atlanta is one of the busiest freight hubs in the Southeast.

• Illinois Chicago connects east-west freight corridors.

• North Carolina Expanding logistics sector and lower operating costs.

• Arkansas Home to major trucking companies and cost-effective for independents.

These are considered the best states for trucking business because they combine high freight volume with relatively lower expenses.

Which State Has the Most Truck Drivers?

According to industry data, Texas has the most truck drivers in the USA, employing over 200,000 drivers. California and Florida follow closely, reflecting the importance of these states as freight corridors and distribution hubs.

Trucker-Friendly States in 2025

Some states are simply more welcoming to truck drivers, offering easier regulations, better infrastructure, and plenty of freight.

• Texas Multiple interstates and freight hubs.

• Nevada Wide open highways and growing freight demand.

• Oklahoma Low fuel prices and driver-friendly regulations.

• Indiana A crossroads state with strong logistics.

• Wisconsin Good pay, affordable cost of living, and strong freight demand.

Choosing a trucker-friendly state can help drivers save time, reduce stress, and earn more consistently.

Worst States for Truck Drivers

Unfortunately, not all states are great for trucking. The worst states for truck drivers in 2025 include:

• California High fuel prices, strict regulations, and heavy traffic.

• New York Congested routes and expensive tolls.

• New Jersey Difficult roadways and costly insurance.

• Hawaii Limited trucking opportunities due to geography.

While these states may offer opportunities, the overall costs and challenges make them less favorable for many drivers.

Truck Driver Salary by State (2025 Snapshot)

Here’s a quick overview of average truck driver salaries by state:

• Alaska: $63K$75K

• North Dakota: $60K$70K

• Nevada: $58K$68K

• Texas: $55K$65K

• California: $55K$65K

• Illinois: $52K$62K

• Florida: $48K$58K

• Ohio: $50K$60K

• Tennessee: $50K$60K

This shows that pay varies greatly, but cost of living should always be considered before making a move.

The Best State for Trucking Insurance

Insurance is a major cost factor for both company drivers and owner-operators. States like North Carolina, Iowa, and Ohio are considered some of the best for affordable commercial trucking insurance, while states like New Jersey and California tend to be the most expensive.

How Neon Haul Helps Truck Drivers Anywhere in the USA

No matter which state you choose to work in, finding consistent freight is always the key challenge. This is where Neon Haul makes life easier for drivers:

• Nationwide Opportunities Connects drivers to loads across all 50 states.

• Owner-Operator Support Helps independents maximize profits by reducing downtime.

• Flexible Jobs Whether you want local, regional, or OTR, Neon Haul provides options.

• Fair Pay Work with trusted shippers and brokers to ensure reliable earnings.

By joining Neon Haul, drivers gain access to a powerful network that helps them succeed no matter what state they’re based in.

Conclusion

The best states for truck drivers in 2025 depend on what matters most to you pay, lifestyle, regulations, or business opportunities. Alaska and North Dakota lead in salaries, while Texas, Tennessee, and Ohio are excellent for living and long-term career stability.

Whether you’re a company driver or an owner-operator, choosing the right state can help you maximize earnings and enjoy a better quality of life. And with Neon Haul, you can take control of your trucking career by finding jobs that fit your needs, anywhere in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions From Truck Drivers

1. What is the best state for truck drivers to live in 2025?

Texas, Tennessee, and Florida are among the best states for truck drivers to live due to affordable costs of living, strong freight demand, and driver-friendly regulations.

2. Which states pay truck drivers the most?

In 2025, the highest paying states for truck drivers include Alaska, North Dakota, and Nevada. These states consistently offer salaries above $60,000 annually.

3. What are the worst states for truck drivers?

The worst states for truck drivers include California, New York, and New Jersey due to high operating costs, strict regulations, and congested roadways.

4. Which state has the most truck drivers?

Texas employs more truck drivers than any other state in the USA, with over 200,000 drivers on the road.

5. What is the best state for owner-operators?

Owner-operators thrive in Texas, Georgia, and Illinois because of freight demand, central locations, and relatively lower business costs.

6. Where is trucking insurance the cheapest?

States like North Carolina, Iowa, and Ohio generally have lower trucking insurance rates, while California and New Jersey are more expensive.