Truck Driving Jobs in South Dakota

Apply for Trucking Jobs in South Dakota

If you are thinking about a career change or are just starting off in the world, you may want to consider truck driving jobs in South Dakota. These jobs offer benefits that many other jobs cannot, such as the ability to travel and see the country and the privilege of taking your pet or a rider with you. Plus, no college degree is required to be eligible for this type of high-paying job. If these benefits sound good to you, keep reading to find out what you must do to get a great job and how much you can make driving for the best trucking companies in South Dakota.

Getting Your CDL in Order to Work for Trucking Companies in South Dakota

You cannot apply for truck driving jobs in South Dakota unless you have your Commercial Drivers License (CDL). While getting such a license may sound difficult or complicated, if you take the time to study, practice, and provide the required documents, you will find yourself ready to work for the trucking companies in South Dakota.

First, you will need to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You must be at least 16 years of age to drive within the state with a CLP. If you intend to have passengers, transport hazardous materials, or drive in other states, you will need to be at least 21 years of age. Along with other requirements, you will need to pass the CDL General Knowledge test to get your CLP. To pass this 50 question multiple choice exam, a score of 80% or higher is required.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days and can be renewed one time. You must take and pass the CDL Skills Test within this time period. The CDL Skills Test has three portions; a Pre-trip Inspection, a Basic Vehicle Controls Test, and an On-Road Driving Test. You must pass each part in order to move on to the next. If you fail the final part, you will need to retake the entire test. However, if you pass, you will be able to obtain your CDL and be ready to apply for trucking jobs in South Dakota.

What do the trucking companies in South Dakota require of their drivers?

Trucking companies in South Dakota must adhere to state and local laws, as well as protect their drivers and the general public. These requirements are not the same for every trucking company, however, they are usually similar.

As you apply for truck driving jobs in South Dakota, you may come across one or more of the following job qualifications:

South Dakota Truck Driving Salary and Benefits

Salary and available benefits are an important factor when choosing your future career and employment with South Dakota trucking companies. Among other jobs that do not require you to obtain a degree, truck driving jobs in South Dakota offer some very attractive salaries.

Nationally, truck drivers earn between $26,900 and $63,100 annually with a median income of $41,340, according to the United States Department of Labor. As per the same source, in 2016, truck driving jobs in South Dakota provided a salary between $28,100 and $56,960 per year, with the median income of a truck driver being $37,840.

Truck drivers in this state report that their annual earnings are between $57,000 and $80,000. Team drivers who work for trucking companies in South Dakota have the opportunity to earn $2,800 to $3,000 weekly split, while solo OTR drivers can earn anywhere from $1000 to $1200 each week.

As you gain more experience in the truck driving industry, you will find that you have the ability to earn a higher wage. You may also be able to earn bonuses for referring other potential employees, completing your orientation, or relocating.

The trucking companies in South Dakota offer the following benefits to their employees:

South Dakota Taxes and Cost of Living

In order to make informed decisions about your future, you must take into account the average cost of living along with the salary for truck driving jobs in South Dakota. For example, a salary in one state may seem high, however, that state may have a higher than average cost of living as well.

The cost of living in South Dakota is lower than many other states, making it more manageable to live on a lower income when working for South Dakota trucking companies. Typical living expenses in South Dakota for a household of one adult with no children are $20,010 before standard wage deductions. The pre-tax living expenses for a household with two adults and two children are $56,965. Out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, South Dakota ranks #16 for the lowest state and local taxes with a rate of 9.77%.

Although you will not have to pay for your own fuel expenses as an employee, if you decide to become an owner-operator, you will need to take this expense into consideration. As of June 2017, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is $2.382, while in South Dakota the price is nearly identical at $2.39.

Driving Conditions for Truck Drivers in South Dakota

While truck driving jobs in South Dakota provide many benefits, they also have some drawbacks. One of these drawbacks can be road and traffic conditions. For instance, truck drivers who drive in this state may experience congested roadways due to Sturgis or families vacationing in the Black Hills or near Mount Rushmore.

Additionally, those working in trucking jobs in South Dakota are likely to drive in mountainous terrain with steep downgrades, sudden inclines, and sharp curves. Both congested roadways and mountain driving require more mental energy and physical exertion and can exert heavy stress on your truck’s mechanical parts.

Drivers who work for South Dakota trucking companies also need to feel comfortable driving on roads with heavy ice, snow, and fog. This is because, on average, South Dakota receives about 41 inches of snow per year.

Expected Growth for Truck Driving Jobs in South Dakota

Between 2014 and 2024, the United States Department of Labor predicts a higher than average rate of growth for truck driving jobs in South Dakota. In fact, a 9% growth rate is expected with an additional 220 job openings each year. Across the United States, truck driving jobs are expected to grow by about 40,450 jobs between 2014 and 2024, which represents about a 6% rate of increase.

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