A light truck driver operates small trucks to transport cargo and materials to customers and job sites. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Light truck drivers operate and maintain small trucks used to deliver goods, materials, and equipment. You handle and move objects, inspect your vehicle for mechanical issues, and communicate with supervisors about routes and deliveries. The work involves performing general physical activities, identifying objects and locations, and operating mechanized equipment. You follow public safety rules, manage customer interactions, and keep accurate records. Most of your time is spent on the road, managing time efficiently to meet delivery schedules.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Light Truck Drivers earn a median of $44,860 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 120,200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Most employers provide on-the-job training where you learn vehicle operation, safety procedures, and company protocols. You should develop strong reading comprehension and active listening skills to follow instructions and communicate clearly. Mathematics helps with route planning and record-keeping. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license depending on vehicle size and cargo type. Starting in this role typically takes a few months of training before you work independently.
Most light truck drivers enter through on-the-job training after high school, though some pursue additional certifications to advance. If you are exploring this path and want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the light truck driver path that fits you with your counselor to build a plan that fits your timeline.
Many light truck drivers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are practical and hands-on, comfortable working with vehicles and equipment. You like solving real-world problems and prefer concrete tasks over abstract thinking.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).