How Much Do UPS Truck Drivers Earn?
This is the most common question we receive at TDS. Our original guide was first published in 2012 and a decade later we wanted to provide a detailed update on what to expect when driving for UPS.This includes salary data from Teamsters, ADP, Indeed, Glassdoor, Payscale.com and driver surveys.
A career as a UPS driver can be lucrative and rewarding. However, the exact payment the UPS driver pays depends on the type of vehicle they are operating. Long-distance trips with the "OTR" truck pay more than trips with the "brown truck" for local parcel delivery. But both career paths pay well and have great benefit packages.
Let's break down the details...
Salary information for UPS truck drivers
Pay UPS delivery drivers (local "brown trucks")
Let's start with the familiar brown trucks you see around town.
The brown trucks you see are known as "package cars".
Currently, the starting salary for a UPS parcel truck driver is$18.75 per hour.
After 12 months, that's up to $19.50 an hour. After 24 months, it increases to $21 an hour. At 36 months it goes up to $25 an hour.The average maximum rate is $37.06 per hour.
These local drivers make an average of about $23.82 per hour.
It's not bad, but there is good news.The Teamsters Union Parcel Division has achieved apreliminary agreementwith UPS, which could see a big jump in wages for full-time auto parcel drivers.
Provided the Agreement is scheduled to come into effect onAugust 1stcall up, 2022, UPS wages for “brown truck” drivers for local delivery will increase as follows:
- Starting salary of $21/hour
- $23/hour for 12 months
- $24/hour at 24 months
- $28.75/hour at 36 months
- $40.51/hour average top price
Let's say you make $21 an hour starting as a UPS driver for a "brown truck" and drive 40 hours a week. over the course of a year,You would earn $43,680. That's a pretty good starting salary!
Now imagine staying at UPS long enough to become one of the highest paid package drivers. If you make $40.51/hour and work 40 hours a week, yours isAnnual salary is $84,260.
As the Teamsters point out, that doesn't even include the "great benefits UPS employees receive."
We'll get to that in a moment. First, let's take a look at what you could earn by handling OTR freight for UPS.
UPS Freight OTR payment
Now that you know how much you could make driving a "brown truck," let's talk about how you can make even more driving for UPS.
If you are willing to drive long distances, you could earn competitive wages as a UPS OTR Freight Driver.
Again, the company has its own terminology for OTR trucks. He calls them "feed trucks".
Indeed.comlists high salaries for UPS shuttle truck drivers.
According to the website, the average salary of the UPS OTR driver is$72,945 per year.Glassdoor has this slightly lower68.342 $. Our average for 8 data points is70.132 $.
At the low end, drivers make around $24,000 a year. At the high end, they make about $148,000 a year.
The amount you earn depends on how long you have been driving for UPS and where you are located. Another way to make more money with OTR for UPS is to do double or triple haulage.
The UPS drivers enjoy a high quality of life and praise not only their high wages but also their consistent routes.
Once again, UPS offers great benefits to both delivery truck drivers and “brown truck” drivers.
According to the company, this is 34% higher than the national average for most OTR drivers. Our research shows it's a bit inaccurate like oursthe industry average for 2021 is $59,158. For new riders, however, this would be quite a blow for their first year.profitscompared to the deposit for most OTR carriers.
Which states pay the best for UPS drivers?
You may be wondering how UPS driver salaries are broken down geographically.
For this information we can go toZipRecruiter. For "oops truck driver' the site lists a national median salary of $56,146 per year, with a minimum of $20,000 per year and a maximum of $80,500 per year.
It's not clear how much of this data is for local drivers versus OTR drivers, but we expect it to be a combination of the two.
The state that pays the most at $62,505 per year is Washington State for a delivery driver. The lowest paying state is North Carolina at $40,675 per year.
Here is the full data table for the 10 states that pay the most for UPS truck drivers:
| Condition | annual salary | Monthly payment | weekly payment | hourly wage |
| Washington | 62.505 $ | $5.209 | 1.202 $ | $30,05 |
| Maryland | 61.709 $ | $5.142 | 1.187 $ | 29,67 $ |
| Nebraska | 60.422 $ | $5.035 | 1.162 $ | $29,05 |
| Virginia | $59.629 | 4.969 $ | 1.147 $ | 28,67 $ |
| NY | 59.560 $ | 4.963 $ | 1.145 $ | 28,63 $ |
| Delaware | 57.768 $ | 4.814 $ | 1.111 $ | 27,77 $ |
| New Hampshire | 57.620 $ | 4.802 $ | 1.108 $ | 27,70 $ |
| Oklahoma | 56.158 $ | 4.680 $ | 1.080 $ | $27,00 |
| California | 55.951 $ | 4.663 $ | 1.076 $ | 26,90 $ |
| Massachusetts | 55.194 $ | 4.600 $ | 1.061 $ | 26,54 $ |
As you can see, most of these states are on the east or west coast. The only ones in the middle of the country are Nebraska and Oklahoma.
IslowerStates that pay for a delivery driver to North Carolina include Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi, Michigan, Arkansas, Kentucky, Florida, New Mexico, and Iowa.
You may also be wondering about the top 10 highest paying cities for UPS truck drivers.
| Ciudad | annual salary | Monthly payment | weekly payment | hourly wage |
| Richmond, California | 68.700 $ | $5.725 | 1.321 $ | $33,03 |
| Stamford, Connecticut | 66.896 $ | $5.575 | 1.286 $ | 32,16 $ |
| Bellevue, Washington | 66.745 $ | $5.562 | 1.284 $ | 32,09 $ |
| Lagos, Alaska | 64.404 $ | $5.367 | 1.239 $ | 30,96 $ |
| San Francisco, CA | 64.388 $ | $5.366 | 1.238 $ | 30,96 $ |
| Palmdale, California | 63.696 $ | $5.308 | 1.225 $ | 30,62 $ |
| Santa Clara, California | 63.454 $ | 5.288 $ | 1.220 $ | 30,51 $ |
| Hartford, Connecticut | 63.329 $ | $5.277 | 1.218 $ | 30,45 $ |
| Pasadena, California | 63.098 $ | $5.258 | 1.213 $ | 30,34 $ |
| Glendale, California | 62.727 $ | $5.227 | 1.206 $ | 30,16 $ |
Not surprisingly, most of the highest paying cities for UPS truck drivers are in California. The rest are in Connecticut, Alaska and Washington state.
Remember that living in these cities is expensive. So while you may earn more, you may also have higher living expenses.
Benefits offered at UPS
Now that we've looked at the detailed payment information for delivery drivers, let's talk about the benefits of United Parcel Service.
Indeed.comlists the following advantages for UPS power cables:
- employee discounts
- weekly bonuses
- performance bonuses
- Health insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- tolls paid
- paid vacation
- Pension plan
Each of these can significantly increase the money you can make as a UPS driver.
GlassDoor.com tooLisa:
- disability insurance
- Accidental Death and Disability Insurance
- supplementary life insurance
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HAS)
- mental health care
- Health and medicine for retirees
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Medical care on site
Employees post happy reviews and high ratings for the benefits and bonuses UPS offers. Some benefits increase the longer you've been with the company, notably paid time off (PTO) and opportunities to earn extra money.
UPS controller requirements
These are the basic requirements you must meet to be a UPS driver:
- Be over 21 years old.
- Pass a drug screening and criminal background check.
- Do you have a valid driver's license.
- able to speak and write English.
- Can lift packages up to 70 lbs.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
You must have the stamina to ride 8 hours or more a day. When you become a freight driver, you are away from home for 3-5 days at a time.
Something to keep in mind when applying for UPS driving jobs is that there is a catch. With such competitive wages and benefits, most UPS drivers don'tNOleave the company until retirement. In addition, UPS has a strong tendency to advertise from within its own ranks.
That means if UPS hires drivers from outside the company, those positions are openverycompetitive. Even if you already work for UPS and are trying to get promoted to a driver position, you will actually face many strong candidates.
Therefore, it is important that you show up with a resume that is as competitive as possible.
Do you need a CDL to drive for UPS?
You can also apply to UPS as a Brown Truck driver without a CDL. But if you want a shot at a better paying job as an OTR shuttle truck, yes, a CDL is a requirement.
If you don't have your CDL yet, check out oursCDL-Training 101Guide to know the requirements to obtain a CDL. In this post, we also recommend some of the best CDL schools.
Also, you must obtain a Haz-Mat endorsement before applying to UPS's OTR department.
How to become a UPS driver
The first step to becoming a UPS driver is to get your CDL and complete all other requirements.
So you have two options:
1-apply directlyfor a job as a brown truck or OTR driver at United Parcel Service.
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2-Apply for an entry-level position in the company and rise through the ranks. For example, you could start out as a parcel deliverer and then apply for a job as a driver when a vacancy arises.
It will take time to climb the ranks at UPS. But believe it or not, driving a commuter vehicle or brown truck at the company could be a quicker way. United Parcel Service offers many different related jobs like driver helper, cargo packer etc.
However, once you get a job as a driver at UPS, you may be able to do so until retirement. That kind of job security is hard to find these days.
FAQs
What is top pay for UPS driver? ›
What is the top pay for a UPS driver? The top pay for a UPS driver is just over $80,000 per year. This is even higher than the 90th percentile of earners, whose pay averages at $76,000 per year ($38.97 per hour).
Do UPS drivers make 6 figures? ›UPS full-time small package delivery drivers receive an average total compensation package of $145,000 per year.
Does UPS pay 40 an hour? ›$40.51/hour average top rate.
Where do UPS drivers make the most? ›UPS Driver (United Parcel Service Driver)s make the most in Los Angeles, CA at $32,640, averaging total compensation -52% greater than the US average.
Do UPS drivers get paid more than FedEx? ›Though UPS drivers earn more, they also perform deliveries in personal vehicles and cover their own fuel and maintenance costs.
How often do UPS drivers get raises? ›Yes, you will get raises at UPS.
These raises are typically on a yearly basis and, while small, can amount to a large increase over time. Year to year, you can expect to see your pay increase by $0.25-$1.00.
For the most part, I enjoy my work and get paid well
It's an hourly position with overtime kicking in after eight hours on the job. We get paid time off, medical benefits, and a pension, which one day I hope to be able to retire on.
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UPS Salary FAQs
What is the salary trajectory of a Driver? The salary trajectory of a Driver ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $39,699 per year and goes up to $45,884 per year for the highest level of seniority.
time salaried for 27.5 hours, and you earn overtime if you work more than 6 hours in a day or go over 27.5 hours in a week. Get paid weekly, any work after five hours is all overtime pay, you can work and learn all positions at ups.
Does UPS pay triple time? ›
Once you are on the 9.5 list, you should file a 9.5 grievance whenever you are over-dispatched and work more than 9.5 hours on three days in a work week. Depending on the circumstances, a 9.5 grievance can be settled by management paying triple time pay for your hours worked over 9.5 or management adjusting your load.
Does UPS pay weekly? ›UPS pays employees every Thursday by direct deposit, depending on the method chosen by the employee.
Can you make a living as a UPS driver? ›On average, full-time, permanent small package delivery drivers earn a total compensation package of $145,000 annually, according to the UPS website. This includes up to seven weeks of paid vacation, paid time off for holidays, option days and sick leave, in addition to zero-cost healthcare premiums.
How long do UPS drivers drive a day? ›Their regulations state that property-carrying drivers: May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14 hours.
Is it hard to get a job as a UPS driver? ›Is it hard to become a UPS driver? UPS jobs are popular among delivery professionals because of the good benefits they offer, so they aren't the easiest to get. That said, job availability varies according to location and area demand.
Who is richer UPS or FedEx? ›...
Comparison chart.
| FedEx | UPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Net income | $2.03 billion (2012) | $3.804 billion (2011) |
...
Overall Rating.
| Overall Rating | 3.8 | 3.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Job security and advancement | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| Management | 3.5 | 3.3 |
| Culture | 3.6 | 3.5 |
Today, Amazon's revenue is nearly five times that of UPS and its stock market capitalization nearly 10 times bigger.
How much is weekly bonus at UPS? ›16, 2021. The weekly bonus, which varies by shift, is banked and will be paid as a lump sum at the end of January. Employees working the Second Day Air (day) shift will earn $100 per week bonus, and employees working the Next day Air (night) shift will earn $75 per week bonus.
Does UPS give a raise after 90 days? ›$1.00 Pay raise after 90 working days. $0.50 Pay raise 1 year after hire date.
Do UPS give bonuses? ›
Competitive pay and reliable hours
In many locations, hourly pay is supplemented by attendance bonuses.
In many areas, drivers are being forced to work six days a week. In the lead-up to peak season, management was regularly forcing drivers at the Salt Lake City hub in for a sixth day, but only assigning a few hours of work.
How many hours do UPS work? ›Other than time-definite air deliveries, shipments are generally delivered anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (and sometimes later) to residences, and by close of business for commercial addresses. UPS cannot schedule a specific delivery time within that window.
What benefits do UPS drivers get? ›If you work for UPS, you earn everything you make. Medical, dental, vision, perscription, 401k, pension, sick days, and personal days. Along with discounts on shipping, new cars and many more items on the upsers website. Ups has some of the best benefits in the industry.
Whats the best shift at UPS? ›During peak season is where you'll work 5 hours or more on all shifts. Twilight will be the best shift to get the most hours and be able to get errands or other activities done during the day such as college courses.
How long does it take to become full time at UPS? ›Two shifts is full-time.
What state does UPS pay the most? ›The states where UPS pays the highest salary are California ($46,256), New Jersey ($43,602), Nevada ($43,018), Kentucky ($41,150) And Tennessee ($39,857).
Why does UPS pay so much? ›UPS drivers enjoy higher wages and considerable benefits due in large part to their union membership, which allows them to collectively bargain for things like wages and benefits.
Why do UPS trucks not have AC? ›Per a statement also made to the Daily Dot, a UPS spokesperson said air conditioning in its trucks would be “ineffective.” This is because the delivery vehicles make frequent stops, and drivers are constantly entering and exiting the truck.
What is a cover driver for UPS? ›UPS is hiring individuals to work as part-time Warehouse Worker (Package Handler) who will also function as a Temporary Cover Driver (TCD) as needed . This is a physical, fast-paced position that involves continual lifting, lowering and sliding packages that typically weigh 25 - 35 lbs. and may weigh up to 70 lbs.
Does UPS pay double on Sundays? ›
The overtime rate shall be one and one half (1 1/2) times the regular straight time rate. However, the rate of double (2) time shall be paid for all work performed on Sundays.
What month does UPS give raises? ›11. UPS Teamsters will receive a $0.82 per hour Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase effective August 1, 2022. With the Consumer Price Index level reaching 288.022 in May 2022, the Index increased 16.502 points above the May 2021 Index, plus 3%, which translates to: $0.82 per hour.
How much PTO does UPS give? ›Nearly half of UPS full-time drivers have at least 15 years with the company and receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year. Employees receive an average of 18 additional days off, including holidays, sick leave, and option days, which are designed to give our employees choice and flexibility with time off.
How does 9.5 work at UPS? ›“The 9.5 list is a tool that helps prevent abusive over-dispatching and gives drivers the right to file grievances over pay when they are dispatched more than 9.5 hours more than twice a week,” said Sean M. O'Brien, Teamsters General President.
Does UPS pay double time for Christmas Eve? ›Yes. Holidays are double time, but you have to be part of the union and have a certain tenure before it starts.
Does UPS have a hiring bonus? ›Sign-on Bonus: up to $5000, based on skills and experience.
What is UPS wage increase for 2022? ›UPS announced their general rate increase for 2022 and it's a hefty average of 5.9%.
How much does UPS take off for taxes? ›25% is taken out from your gross.
Does UPS work 7 days a week? ›Does UPS deliver on weekends, including Saturday and Sunday? Yes, UPS offers Mon-Sat delivery service for residential and commercial packages and offers delivery of residential packages on Sunday. What is the latest time of day a package will be delivered? Most packages are generally delivered by 8 p.m.
Do UPS drivers make tips? ›FedEx/UPS Drivers
FedEx drivers are prohibited by work rules from accepting payments from customers; UPS drivers are not barred from taking tips but are encouraged to say no. For them, you might leave a basket of pre-packaged goods at your door as a form of gratuity.
How long does it take to become a UPS driver 2022? ›
How Long Does it Take to Become a UPS Driver? If you want to become a permanent UPS driver, you'll need patience because it's not a quick process. If you are accepted to be a UPS delivery driver, you'll first start as an entry-level employee for 2 to 3 years, and you'll have to clock in at least 40 hours a week.
Can you work from home with UPS? ›Only graphic design employees have the option of completing some work at home.
How long is a UPS driver's shift? ›You get to work your 8 hours and overtime during peak season. You are guaranteed 40 hours a week. You set your own schedule.
Do UPS drivers take breaks? ›UPS responded to the union's claims in a statement saying, “Our employees' health and wellness is very important to us, and we require that lunch breaks be taken and recorded per our agreement with the union.”
How long do UPS drivers stay out? ›The standard United Parcel Service (UPS) residential delivery hours are 9 am to 7 pm For business addresses, delivery stop time is close of business.
Is it stressful being a UPS driver? ›UPS is a difficult job for non-drivers. The warehouse is incredibly stressful, and the one I worked at is currently very understaffed, meaning you're doing extra work. The hardest jobs in the company are in the warehouse, but these are all part-time jobs and the pay is low.
How long does it take to get hired as a UPS driver? ›It takes only a few days to get hired and about 6 months for benefits. Quickly, and fast the process is quick and interview is only couple minutes and you don't have to have a lot of work ethics in order to get a job.
Are UPS benefits free? ›Our full- and part-time union employees have access to healthcare with $0 in premiums, pension benefits, tuition assistance, and paid annual leave, state holidays, and option days.
What is UPS new contract pay raise for 2022? ›UPS announced their general rate increase for 2022 and it's a hefty average of 5.9%.
How much does a UPS driver earn in Maine? ›How much does a Driver make at UPS in Maine? Average UPS Driver hourly pay in Maine is approximately $19.30, which is 21% above the national average.
How long does it take to become full-time at UPS? ›
Two shifts is full-time.
Does UPS have good pay? ›Full-time UPS package car drivers make, on average, about $95,000 per year, plus another $50,000 in contributions to health, welfare and pension benefits. After four years in the position, a full-time UPS package car driver makes, on average, $42 an hour in wages.
Do UPS drivers get overtime? ›You get guaranteed 27.5 hours a week at 20/hour, full benefits, and 401k and do get paid overtime. Great job if you wanting to get into management or work your way up the corporate UPS ladder. If you are not fully staffed you will be working all of the jobs that aren't filled.
Do you get a raise after 90 days at UPS? ›$1.00 Pay raise after 90 working days. $0.50 Pay raise 1 year after hire date.
What is the starting pay at UPS in Maine? ›What Is The Starting Pay At Ups In Maine? The starting pay at UPS in Maine is around $28,000 per year, or $13 per hour.
How much does a UPS driver make an hour in Georgia? ›How much does a Driver make at UPS in Georgia? Average UPS Driver hourly pay in Georgia is approximately $21.38, which is 37% above the national average.